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Overground Railroad (The Young Adult Adaptation): The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
A young reader's edition of Candacy Taylor’s acclaimed book about the history of the Green Book, the guide for Black travelers
Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses.
The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated.
This young reader's edition of Candacy Taylor’s critically acclaimed adult book Overground Railroad includes her own photographs of Green Book sites, as well as archival photographs and interviews with people who owned and used these facilities. The book also includes an author's note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.
Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses.
The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated.
This young reader's edition of Candacy Taylor’s critically acclaimed adult book Overground Railroad includes her own photographs of Green Book sites, as well as archival photographs and interviews with people who owned and used these facilities. The book also includes an author's note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published January 25, 2022
22 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Candacy A. Taylor
4 books85 followersCandacy Taylor is an award-winning author, photographer and cultural documentarian working on a multidisciplinary project based on the Green Book. Taylor is the author of Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America (Abrams Books). She is also the curator and content specialist for an exhibition that will be toured by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) starting in June 2020. The exhibition will travel throughout the United States for three years.
Taylor was a fellow at the Hutchins Center at Harvard University under the direction of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. and her projects have been commissioned and funded by numerous organizations including, The Library of Congress, National Geographic, The American Council of Learned Societies, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The National Park Service, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Taylor’s work has been featured in over 50 media outlets including The Atlantic, CBS Sunday Morning, The Guardian UK, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Newsweek, PBS Newshour and The Wall St. Journal.
Taylor was a fellow at the Hutchins Center at Harvard University under the direction of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. and her projects have been commissioned and funded by numerous organizations including, The Library of Congress, National Geographic, The American Council of Learned Societies, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The National Park Service, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Taylor’s work has been featured in over 50 media outlets including The Atlantic, CBS Sunday Morning, The Guardian UK, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Newsweek, PBS Newshour and The Wall St. Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 5, 2022
Okay full disclosure I have not read the adult version of this book but as YA nonfiction I thought it was an amazing living history book. Everyone should read it -- or the adult version.
The only thing I thought was missing from a young adult adaptation was Black young adults. I am wondering about the experiences of student / first time Black drivers during the Green Book era. Quick Google search says driver's education in American schools was introduced in 1956 so Black teens were indeed learning to drive during the Green Book era. Who taught them to drive? Other Black folks? Was the Green Book ever talked about in Black driver's ed classes before Brown vs. Board of Education integrated schools? I will figure it out lol but if you are going to make a YA adaptation, include the YAs!
The only thing I thought was missing from a young adult adaptation was Black young adults. I am wondering about the experiences of student / first time Black drivers during the Green Book era. Quick Google search says driver's education in American schools was introduced in 1956 so Black teens were indeed learning to drive during the Green Book era. Who taught them to drive? Other Black folks? Was the Green Book ever talked about in Black driver's ed classes before Brown vs. Board of Education integrated schools? I will figure it out lol but if you are going to make a YA adaptation, include the YAs!
August 19, 2021
Immaculately researched and detailed. This book does an excellent job showing the connections between personal and local stories and history with cultural and national stories, stats, etc. The author does a great job both showing and telling history as well as connecting it with the present.
January 6, 2023
Fascinating and horrifying and inspirational piece of history I never knew existed. Lots of pictures and explanation throughout. Very readable.
September 25, 2022
So interesting and gives one a new perspective on life as an African American.
February 19, 2022
What worked:
This nonfiction book for young adults is full of facts and anecdotes chronicling the horrendous, frustrating, and terrifying history of Negroes in the United States. The common thread throughout the pages is The Green Book, a guide for Black people moving and traveling across the country. It shares businesses, towns, and locations that were friendly to Black Americans and warns them of places to avoid. Stories of enjoyable and frightening incidents from their lives are described and will evoke a wide range of emotions from readers. Although most of the businesses no longer exist, the stories in the book offer insight into the history of bigotry and prejudice that is still present today.
This book can be used as a reference source, even though it doesn’t read like one, as it’s divided into sections that are easy to navigate. There is an index at the back to locate topics quickly, and there’s a section that cites sources of information and quotations found on specific pages. There is an abundance of photographs, both color and black and white, mixed with pages from various publications. Photos of covers from The Green Book tie the chapters together, and excerpts from its pages display information available to Black readers. Chapters are organized by topics, not historical dates, and they include the origins of the book, driving while black, music, and traveling Route 66 across the country.
The long history of prejudice and Jim Crowe laws are explored using well-known and lesser-known events and people from the past. It describes how the Pullman Company was the largest private employer of Black Americans, as trains became a major form of transportation. Harlem was a center for entertainment and featured performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and Benny Goodman. Tragically, pages and pictures depict the massacre and burning of a wealthy Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sundown towns, places where Blacks weren’t allowed to enter after dark, could be found all over the country, and the NAACP led a travel ban to Missouri in 2017 warning Blacks of potential violence. There are other stories of bigotry where Blacks are attacked just for being too successful.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is a young-adult adaptation, but it still has some pretty intense subject matter for young readers. There is a section describing an era of frequent hangings, and it includes a graphic photograph of a black man who had been hanged and shot. Some of the material may be upsetting, but it’s a part of America that’s not often shared and needs to be remembered.
The Final Verdict:
A history of prejudice in the U.S. Accomplishments and pleasant experiences of Black Americans temper the focus on unfair and violent attacks they were forced to endure. The stories are often disturbing to read, but they should be. I recommend this book for mature readers, as it’s probably not appropriate for elementary students.
This nonfiction book for young adults is full of facts and anecdotes chronicling the horrendous, frustrating, and terrifying history of Negroes in the United States. The common thread throughout the pages is The Green Book, a guide for Black people moving and traveling across the country. It shares businesses, towns, and locations that were friendly to Black Americans and warns them of places to avoid. Stories of enjoyable and frightening incidents from their lives are described and will evoke a wide range of emotions from readers. Although most of the businesses no longer exist, the stories in the book offer insight into the history of bigotry and prejudice that is still present today.
This book can be used as a reference source, even though it doesn’t read like one, as it’s divided into sections that are easy to navigate. There is an index at the back to locate topics quickly, and there’s a section that cites sources of information and quotations found on specific pages. There is an abundance of photographs, both color and black and white, mixed with pages from various publications. Photos of covers from The Green Book tie the chapters together, and excerpts from its pages display information available to Black readers. Chapters are organized by topics, not historical dates, and they include the origins of the book, driving while black, music, and traveling Route 66 across the country.
The long history of prejudice and Jim Crowe laws are explored using well-known and lesser-known events and people from the past. It describes how the Pullman Company was the largest private employer of Black Americans, as trains became a major form of transportation. Harlem was a center for entertainment and featured performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and Benny Goodman. Tragically, pages and pictures depict the massacre and burning of a wealthy Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sundown towns, places where Blacks weren’t allowed to enter after dark, could be found all over the country, and the NAACP led a travel ban to Missouri in 2017 warning Blacks of potential violence. There are other stories of bigotry where Blacks are attacked just for being too successful.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is a young-adult adaptation, but it still has some pretty intense subject matter for young readers. There is a section describing an era of frequent hangings, and it includes a graphic photograph of a black man who had been hanged and shot. Some of the material may be upsetting, but it’s a part of America that’s not often shared and needs to be remembered.
The Final Verdict:
A history of prejudice in the U.S. Accomplishments and pleasant experiences of Black Americans temper the focus on unfair and violent attacks they were forced to endure. The stories are often disturbing to read, but they should be. I recommend this book for mature readers, as it’s probably not appropriate for elementary students.
April 13, 2023
I listened to this on audio and didn't realize it was the YA adaptation, but I don't think that mattered much. I know it is shorter but I got plenty of information in this version. I had no idea the green book included businesses that are normally not related to travel. It was more of an all-inclusive list of black owned businesses all over the US, Canada, and a few other places. It would help anyone not just traveling but moving permanently to a new area to know what was available for shopping, entertainment, auto care, hair care, etc. It had to build up to including such a variety of businesses but it included a huge list by the fifties
This has an overlap of information with The Warmth of Other Suns: the Epic Story of America's Great Migration that I read in February. They both discuss the disparity in railroad travel for black travelers in the South. They had to ride in the car right behind the engine which was dirty and loud. They could ride in integrated cars in the north but had to switch cars right at the Mason Dixon line when headed south. Both books also discussed that travelers outside of the south didn't suddenly have all options for dining and hotels open to them. The North, Midwest, and West were almost equally closed in regard to restaurants and hotels so black people had to plan and carry their own food, gas, and bedding just in case they had no other options.
This is a great resource for seeing in a very tangible way that America was not equally open to everyone for something as basic as traveling to see family or taking vacation for much of the 20th century.
Black people didn't have freedoms that we all know about but travel isn't something we tend to think of. It was eye opening to understand that black men would put a chauffeur's hat in their car so they could pretend they were driving for a white employer even if they were in their own car just to stay out of trouble with the police. Nice cars were a sign of being uppity or were thought to be stolen so it wasn't prudent to admit it was theirs. A highly recommended book, especially for young readers.
This has an overlap of information with The Warmth of Other Suns: the Epic Story of America's Great Migration that I read in February. They both discuss the disparity in railroad travel for black travelers in the South. They had to ride in the car right behind the engine which was dirty and loud. They could ride in integrated cars in the north but had to switch cars right at the Mason Dixon line when headed south. Both books also discussed that travelers outside of the south didn't suddenly have all options for dining and hotels open to them. The North, Midwest, and West were almost equally closed in regard to restaurants and hotels so black people had to plan and carry their own food, gas, and bedding just in case they had no other options.
This is a great resource for seeing in a very tangible way that America was not equally open to everyone for something as basic as traveling to see family or taking vacation for much of the 20th century.
Black people didn't have freedoms that we all know about but travel isn't something we tend to think of. It was eye opening to understand that black men would put a chauffeur's hat in their car so they could pretend they were driving for a white employer even if they were in their own car just to stay out of trouble with the police. Nice cars were a sign of being uppity or were thought to be stolen so it wasn't prudent to admit it was theirs. A highly recommended book, especially for young readers.
October 31, 2023
This title was informative and a fast read - honestly one of the fastest non-fiction titles I've read in awhile. I felt that this title could easily be placed in both a middle and high school for both students and staff. I loved that each chapter featured great information. I could see a book like this be used as a book study for a class because each chapter I felt could be vastly discussed. This book made me want to read the adult adaptation as well as to do my own personal additional research that would help me better understand how Black Americans migrated - including asking my own family members about the Green Book and if they have used it. There were plenty of surprises throughout the book - Missouri was discussed a lot (Sullivan, Ferguson, Fantastic Caverns KKK ownership in the 1920s, STL being one of the first cities to integrate public accommodations); Colorism was discussed in the book - and how that impacted darker skinned Black Americans trying to get accommodations; The Civil Rights Act of 1964 allowing more Black Americans to use accommodations that they were previously denied and how that impacted the Black-owned businesses to the point that many Green Book businesses eventually closed its doors for good (due to competing with other businesses that were more appealing to Black Americans). I can continue to list all of the great things about this title, but that would take all day. In closing, everyone should read this book. I was not aware of the Green Book until a few years ago. It certainly changes my outlook on traveling while Black, or traveling from point A to point B (even the costs of traveling and how accessible it is in general). I also think about how today, even though there isn't a Green Book available today, there are different "travel guides" aka travel influencers, and social media gurus that travel to different cities and countries nationally and internationally and discuss the challenges that they face (many of the Black men and women that I follow have discussed that some cities and countries they have faced racism in forms of being denied accommodations like hotels and Airbnbs, harassment in parks, restaurants and stores). Overall, great title to have in your school library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2022
Adapted from the adult version of the book, this version for teens provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into history. The Green Book, published annually for three decades from 1936 to 1966 during the height of segregation, gave would-be travelers tips on travel. Its contents featured articles and advertisements that identified restaurants, hotels, service stations, beaches, and music clubs that were safe for Black clients. Otherwise, travel could be dangerous for many Black Americans since there were many towns, known as sundown towns, where it was not safe for Blacks to be after dark. Even Blacks who worked in those places needed to make it home before light faded from the sky. The author relies on various editions of the Green Book, the brainchild of Victor Hugo Green, a letter carrier in the New York City area as part of her research, but she also traveled to more than 4,000 former Green Book spots beginning in 2013 and interviewed travelers and former owners of those safe places. As she sifts through archival material, Taylor also connects these places or what she calls "the overland railroad" to historical events as well as current happenings. She also reflects on the loss of these sites, which fell out of favor after segregation was ruled to be illegal but also pondering the systemic racism that continues to plague this nation, even pointing out that the NAACP issued a Black travel advisory in 2017 for Missouri, a shocking reminder that Black travel can still present perils. Students of history will be fascinated by this book's contents and the many photographs that accompany the text, but so will those interested in popular culture and how travel and this nation have changed. I was deeply engaged by every page and fascinated that such a small publication as the Green Book could make such a difference in those curious about the wider world.
August 24, 2025
I requested Overground Railroad from our local library through its Interlibrary Loan program, and they kindly obtained the book for me from the Albright Memorial Library in Scranton. The copy turns out, however, to be the young adult adaptation.
But I adapted, so to speak, and read this edition since I have it in my hands. I am assuming the Albright did not have the original on its shelves, and who knows how long it might be before it might be found elsewhere.
In the last decade or so I've read several books which I consider must-reads for every American, but especially white Americans, in particular MAGA Americans, including The Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, by Richard Rothstein; The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson; The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander; and Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II At Home and Abroad, by Matthew Delmont.
I would consider Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America, by Candacy Taylor, another must-read.
I turned the last page and sat pondering. In some states a convicted felon may be denied the right to vote and be ineligible for public housing or food stamps, despite having paid his or her "debt to society." It may be almost impossible for an individual with a past felony conviction to find stable employment.
And yet at this very moment Donald J. Trump, a convicted felon, holds the highest office in the United States of America and is receiving free board and room on the taxpayer's nickel...in conditions of supreme comfort and luxury, one might add.
That seems fair.
But I adapted, so to speak, and read this edition since I have it in my hands. I am assuming the Albright did not have the original on its shelves, and who knows how long it might be before it might be found elsewhere.
In the last decade or so I've read several books which I consider must-reads for every American, but especially white Americans, in particular MAGA Americans, including The Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, by Richard Rothstein; The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson; The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander; and Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II At Home and Abroad, by Matthew Delmont.
I would consider Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America, by Candacy Taylor, another must-read.
I turned the last page and sat pondering. In some states a convicted felon may be denied the right to vote and be ineligible for public housing or food stamps, despite having paid his or her "debt to society." It may be almost impossible for an individual with a past felony conviction to find stable employment.
And yet at this very moment Donald J. Trump, a convicted felon, holds the highest office in the United States of America and is receiving free board and room on the taxpayer's nickel...in conditions of supreme comfort and luxury, one might add.
That seems fair.
February 5, 2022
Synergy: Green Book Guidebooks
The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guide book produced for African American travelers. Published during the era of Jim Crow laws between 1936 and 1966 when discrimination and segregation were widespread, the books helped travelers identify businesses and services friendly to African American visitors.
Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.
OVERGROUND RAILROAD by Candacy Taylor tells the story of the Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in mid-20th century America. This young adult adaptation traces the history of the Green Book and the courage of both travelers and businesses that stood up against racial segregation. Filled with stunning photographs, fascinating interviews, and engaging narrative, this compelling work of youth nonfiction brings the barriers and hazards faced by Black travelers to life for middle grade readers. The book includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.
NAVIGATING THE GREEN BOOK from the New York Public Library invites readers to visualize a trip using the Green Books and view a map of data from the books. Users can also browse 21 volumes of the Green Books from 1937 to 1964.
To visit the website, go to http://publicdomain.nypl.org/greenboo....
THE NEGRO MOTORIST GREEN BOOK is an online exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Users can learn about the Green Book, examine an online exhibit, and explore stories of people who used the Green Book.
To visit the website, go to https://negromotoristgreenbook.si.edu/.
ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS Kids.
The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guide book produced for African American travelers. Published during the era of Jim Crow laws between 1936 and 1966 when discrimination and segregation were widespread, the books helped travelers identify businesses and services friendly to African American visitors.
Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.
OVERGROUND RAILROAD by Candacy Taylor tells the story of the Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in mid-20th century America. This young adult adaptation traces the history of the Green Book and the courage of both travelers and businesses that stood up against racial segregation. Filled with stunning photographs, fascinating interviews, and engaging narrative, this compelling work of youth nonfiction brings the barriers and hazards faced by Black travelers to life for middle grade readers. The book includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.
NAVIGATING THE GREEN BOOK from the New York Public Library invites readers to visualize a trip using the Green Books and view a map of data from the books. Users can also browse 21 volumes of the Green Books from 1937 to 1964.
To visit the website, go to http://publicdomain.nypl.org/greenboo....
THE NEGRO MOTORIST GREEN BOOK is an online exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Users can learn about the Green Book, examine an online exhibit, and explore stories of people who used the Green Book.
To visit the website, go to https://negromotoristgreenbook.si.edu/.
ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS Kids.
June 18, 2021
This young adult adaptation of the original Overground Railroad illuminates through text, images, and period photographs a lesser-known aspect of racial segregation: the challenges encountered by Black travelers in America prior to the 1970s. From "sundown towns" where Blacks were not welcome after 6 p.m. to many white-owned hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and repair shops, Black travelers were denied services. The Green Book, published between the 1930s and the 1960s, served as a guidebook to Black motorists, enabling them to identify towns and businesses they could frequent without discriminatory treatment. Author Candacy Taylor revisited the sites listed in the original Green Books, documenting the state of the sites today.
I was unaware of the extent to which Black travelers experienced difficulties with travel; such challenges extended well beyond the middle of the 20th century. In that regard, I found this book fascinating and enlightening, though sad. The images from the Green Books and the author's photographs tell their own stories making them worthy of study. My only criticism is about the length of the book. I think young readers would be better served by less content. At 413 pages, this book seems a little overwhelming for all but those with the keenest interest in the topic.
I was unaware of the extent to which Black travelers experienced difficulties with travel; such challenges extended well beyond the middle of the 20th century. In that regard, I found this book fascinating and enlightening, though sad. The images from the Green Books and the author's photographs tell their own stories making them worthy of study. My only criticism is about the length of the book. I think young readers would be better served by less content. At 413 pages, this book seems a little overwhelming for all but those with the keenest interest in the topic.
July 15, 2022
Wonderfully researched and very well done adaptation for young adults.
As Americans fell in love with cars and road trips in the 30's, major obstacles remained for Black travelers. Segregation and sundown towns, open hostility and physical dangers were a reality right alongside the lack of places that would serve Black Americans in restaurants, gas stations or overnight lodgings. In 1936 Victor Hugo Green published his first Green Book with lists of safe places to eat, sleep and stop and travel information.
Proceeding chronologically, Taylor traces the history of the Green Book and its growth, additions and changes reflecting the changing culture in America. Filled with rich and memorable details, Taylor's stops on the journey include chapters on train travel, vacation destinations, the history of Highway 66, women's growing rights and the impact of Black Travel on music and culture.
There is excellent back matter and book production. There are extensive period photographs as well and these are a true highlight of the book!!
It is a fascinating road trip and journey well worth taking!
As Americans fell in love with cars and road trips in the 30's, major obstacles remained for Black travelers. Segregation and sundown towns, open hostility and physical dangers were a reality right alongside the lack of places that would serve Black Americans in restaurants, gas stations or overnight lodgings. In 1936 Victor Hugo Green published his first Green Book with lists of safe places to eat, sleep and stop and travel information.
Proceeding chronologically, Taylor traces the history of the Green Book and its growth, additions and changes reflecting the changing culture in America. Filled with rich and memorable details, Taylor's stops on the journey include chapters on train travel, vacation destinations, the history of Highway 66, women's growing rights and the impact of Black Travel on music and culture.
There is excellent back matter and book production. There are extensive period photographs as well and these are a true highlight of the book!!
It is a fascinating road trip and journey well worth taking!
Read
August 1, 2023This was a great read and extremely informative! I knew a little about the Green Book already and this book gave me more insight into the production of the publication and the people behind it. It was interesting to learn more about the locations and which ones were still in operation today, which were turned into museums to help further educate people and which were closed due to a number of different reasons.
The section on desegregation and the affect in had on locations published in the Green book was particularly interesting to me because I have had many conversations with people about how they feel desegregation truly affected the Black community. This section gives a little insight into how it affected businesses in a negative way, but, for some, was encouraged by those very business people because of the importance it would mean to the community as a whole.
Even though this is a book meant for younger readers, I think that seasoned folks will definitely enjoy it and possibly learn a few new things, or at the very least, gain a different perspective on what it was like to travel as a Black American between the 1920s-1960s.
The section on desegregation and the affect in had on locations published in the Green book was particularly interesting to me because I have had many conversations with people about how they feel desegregation truly affected the Black community. This section gives a little insight into how it affected businesses in a negative way, but, for some, was encouraged by those very business people because of the importance it would mean to the community as a whole.
Even though this is a book meant for younger readers, I think that seasoned folks will definitely enjoy it and possibly learn a few new things, or at the very least, gain a different perspective on what it was like to travel as a Black American between the 1920s-1960s.
May 15, 2022
I hadn't read the adult version and I won't pick it up now that I've read the YA adaptation because I got a good taste of the book with biographical information about Green's Green Book, the way the book was marketed and targeted Blacks to travel as safely as possible and didn't include just places to stay but eat, businesses to patronize, and had ads in there as well. Plus there were unexpected but informational sidelights that included car companies (including Cadillac's denial of selling to Blacks until they realized this was an untapped market since they were already buying them secondhand and sales were through the roof when they decided to "allow" a Black man to sell the cars- not only did he increase sales, the whites nearby went to buy from him too).
It's a book that I'm glad to have read since it's referenced in other texts and history but I knew just enough but not really anything of substance about it.
It's a book that I'm glad to have read since it's referenced in other texts and history but I knew just enough but not really anything of substance about it.
January 18, 2022
Thanks to ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
From 1936-1967 The Negro Travelers' Green Book/The Travelers' Green Book provided Black travelers with a list of hotels and restaurants that not only served them without discrimination but were safe spaces as well. Having read and enjoyed books such as Ruth and the Green Book, I was familiar with the topic, but learned so much more by reading this book. I learned more about sundown towns, the treatment of Pullman porters and train maids, and even about a drive-in cave that was run by the KKK! This book would be a wonderful addition to any family, classroom, or library collection. It would also be great for middle and high school history teachers to use as a resource as well.
From 1936-1967 The Negro Travelers' Green Book/The Travelers' Green Book provided Black travelers with a list of hotels and restaurants that not only served them without discrimination but were safe spaces as well. Having read and enjoyed books such as Ruth and the Green Book, I was familiar with the topic, but learned so much more by reading this book. I learned more about sundown towns, the treatment of Pullman porters and train maids, and even about a drive-in cave that was run by the KKK! This book would be a wonderful addition to any family, classroom, or library collection. It would also be great for middle and high school history teachers to use as a resource as well.
March 29, 2025
This book paints a history that many folks want to forget and some will even deny. But the sad reality is that Green Book was needed for Black families to stay safe while traveling. Unfortunately, in this day and age, we haven’t progressed enough. This book also touches on systemic and institutional racism as well as the fall of black owned businesses when desegregation and “urban renewal” started. Nowadays we don’t have a green book, but black families still have to have conversations with their children on things such as “driving while black”. Currently this country (the United States) has turned back time to several decades ago and we are seeing injustices and racism still alive and well in this country.
December 10, 2021
The abundance of pictures not only helps the book go by fast, but provided an integral visual image of what these places looked like now and what they looked like then, and I think especially for white readers, it places African Americans in places in history that white readers would assume they were excluded from. Wonderfully researched and perfect adapted for Young Adults, this is a must purchase for libraries, and a must read.
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June 23, 2021After reading Nic Stone’s Clean Getaway, I was intrigued by The Green Book and its history, so naturally I was thrilled to see this title! This book gives a deeper look at a rich legacy that many have never heard of. I appreciated the carefully organized chapters and informative tone. I would recommend to ages 13+.
January 4, 2022
Both an overview of how the Green Book changed and adapted over time as well as a history of racism and the black experience in the US during that time, this is a good place to start for readers 11 and up. Some older teens may find it too simple, but it does cover the basics. It would have benefited from a tighter focus.
June 14, 2023
This book was so informative and deeply researched. I recommend the physical copy or the e-book edition, as they provide abundant pictures that serve as primary sources. It was interesting to learn how this publication evolved over time. I found myself Googling so many different people and locations to learn more information.
July 28, 2023
Very detailed and fascinating book about The Green Book, a travel guide for African-Americans from the 1930's to the 1960's. The author's research, personal anecdotes, and photographs really make drive home its message - how important it was at the time of its publication, how it helped shape today's African-American community, and how far we still have to go as a country.
April 28, 2025
This is a well researched and well written look at the history of Black travel in America. I saw a story about this book on the news and would like yo read the adult version of the book. I started with the YA version to share with my students and think the book will be a great addition to the school library.
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April 19, 2022This book uses the Green Book as a point of reference for historical racism in the United States. I learned a lot about the book itself, as well as many people of color that made contributions to our country that I hadn’t heard of before.
January 29, 2024
Eloquent and very well organized. Powerful epilogue. An important book that documents a past African American publication, the Green Book. Stumbled across this as I research on Route 66. Perfect read for African American history.
March 18, 2025
I enjoyed the historical and present day photographs and images of sections of the guide. There were some good stories/remembrances of people that traveled during that era -- and I wish they were easier to find -- highlighted in the book design somehow.
April 9, 2023
Very enlightening. I knew about the Green Book but not about the difficulties getting from safe place to safe place. Worth reading for another aspect of overlooked IS history.
October 30, 2023
This is a very informative work that is easily readable for students. Possible supplement to Black History class.
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February 27, 2024Booktalk on 02/27/24 - TG
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June 24, 2025Nonfiction book about the Green Book and its use by black travelers in the middle of the 20th century. Very interesting. Lots of pictures.
January 30, 2024
Hitting the open road was often the opposite of a relaxing experience for African-American families traveling during the years of Jim Crow laws. Overground Railroad is a fascinating history of how these travelers used the Green Book to navigate through sundown towns and long stretches of roads with no safe gas stations, restaurants, or hotels.
Just as significantly, author Taylor discusses why so many families, despite these less-than-friendly environments, chose to travel anyway. A wonderful, eye-opening history for adults and older children alike.
Just as significantly, author Taylor discusses why so many families, despite these less-than-friendly environments, chose to travel anyway. A wonderful, eye-opening history for adults and older children alike.
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