Freedom Crossing

by Margaret Goff Clark

Laura Eastman returns to New York after living in the South with relatives for four years to discover that her brother and father are part of the Underground Railroad, helping fugitive slaves to escape to Canada. When a friend brings a runaway slave, Martin, to the house while her father and stepmother are away, Laura must decide what she believes -- and whether she should help Martin escape.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Adventure

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Margaret Goff Clark was born March 7, 1913, in Oklahoma City, USA. At five, she and her family moved to Olean, New York. She attended Columbia University and State University in Buffalo, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She began writing when her children were young and published her first book, The Mystery Of Seneca Hill in 1961. As a result, Ms. Clark was adopted into the Seneca Indian tribe in 1962.
Many of her books are based on her experiences traveling to parks and nature areas by camping trailer. The Clarks had a cottage in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada, and Death At Their Heels was written in 1975, after visiting it one summer. Most recently, Ms. Clark wrote books about endangered species in Florida, including the manatee and the Florida black bear. Her 1993 book on the endangered Florida panther was dedicated to her husband Charles R. Clark. In addition to books, Ms. Clark contributed over 200 short stories to magazines such as American Girl, The Instructor, Teen Talk and other Canadian and American magazines. Margaret Goff Clark passed away in 2003.

Reviews

[David Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good book

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my favorite book but still good

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite pieces of YA historical fiction centered around my hometown!

[Jamie.C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it the ending is my favorite part when Marten and Justin come to freedom .

[Jody Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting story about slavery and how the north dealt with runaway slaves. It is told from the perspective of two preteens making it a perfect story for young readers. It is full of drama with cliff hangers at the end of each chapter encouraging the reader to keep reading. The narrator is a young girl who had lived in the south bringing her convictions regarding slavery. As the story unfolds she slowly transforms from a true southern to a freedom fighter accompanying the runaway slave to frredom. There are facts intermingled with the narrative which provide lots of points for discussion.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to really now how it was to be a station in the Underground Railroad? Have you ever questioned what the Underground Railroad really was? Will if you ever ask yourself these questions this book is for you. This book is a realistic fiction book that tells the story of a girl called Laura who finds out that her family is a station in the Underground Railroad and meets a slave called Martin. Since she was in Virginia with her aunt and uncle for two years, she is told that slavery is a good things. Know that she meets the boy called Martin she starts forming her own ideas of what slavery really is. This book is written in a first person perspective and takes place in a farm in Lewiston N.Y. In the beginning the girl Laura's mom died so she went to live with her aunt and uncle while her dad and brother stayed home. While she was gone her dad married a new wife and she is raised to think of slavery as a good thing. When she comes back to her house she overhears a boy called Joel Todd and her brother Bert talking in the night with a slave boy called Martin. When she hears them talking about how they can't trust her to know about their station in the Underground Railroad she busts open the door and screams at them. From there the story gets into motion and she has to make a decision for herself is slavery just or unjust. People who might like this book are people who really want action since there is slave hunters all throughout this book. You might also like this book if the Underground Railroad intrigues you. An interesting part of this book is at the end when Laura takes Martin to the place were a boat comes from Canada to take slaves. This part is very interesting because Martin and Laura are always on the lookout for slave hunters.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark is a very eye-opening and educational book. We get to see what life during the underground railroad was like from a southern point of view. The main character, Laura Eastman, has to decide whether she should be guided by what she was raised to believe or what her heart knows is true. I felt I could relate to her because having to make such hard decisions really puts a lot of weight on your shoulders, and I feel we’ve all been in that situation at one point. One of the reasons I enjoyed this book is because it discussed important themes such as equality and racism. Though the book was short, there was a lot of character development, realistic scenes and character traits. I would recommend this book to middle schoolers because I feel it's a good introduction to the underground railroad.

[Emily Erickson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think my kids liked this more than I did. I honestly found it a bit boring. Maybe mostly because we weren't given much information about the characters at all. They were pretty one-dimensional, and I guess I'm learning that I'm more drawn to character-driven stories than plot-driven ones. I specifically wanted to know more about Laura's time in the South and about Martin's story. Also, I absolutely hated the ending. It felt so unnecessary and completely took the focus off of the important themes in the book. Lastly, it painted Laura...who had just gone through some major ideological changes and done some really brave things...as a suddenly voiceless damsel.

[Lauren M · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book about Laura Eastmen a young girl who lived with her aunt and uncle for four years because of the death of her mother,so she had to live in the south and learned that slaves were normal, and whent home and found out her family was a station for the underground railroad. her dad wasn't home and she was home alone with her brother, Bert, so when she saw Marten, a runaway slave looking for his father waiting in Mexico you would see her suprize. If you like books about slavery, or historical fiction, you should read this book

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben rated it 3 1/2 stars because of the cliffhanger chapter endings. Charlotte rated it 5 stars. So we’ll give it 4.

[Ayden]

loved it:)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read aloud! 5th, 3rd, & preK

[Dena Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay book. The end was very exciting, but the rest was just average. The prose wasn’t very exciting to me. The book would be good to read if you want to teach a child about the historical events described such as slavery and the Fugitive Slave Act. You could also discuss the main character’s change in attitude as she came to see that enslaved people were just as intelligent as free people and valued freedom just as much.

Some word usage was suspect. For example, on page 116 of my copy, it says that Laura “fled” down Niagara Street. To flee means to “run away from a place or situation of danger.” She wasn’t running AWAY from danger. She wanted to find out who a captured fugitive was. Another example is when the author describes an African-American as “the black” or “a black.” Black is an adjective not a noun. It should say “the black man” or whatever. For example, on page 121 it says, “He came out leading a tall, slim black...” The book was written in 1980, but I was alive in 1980 and we didn’t refer to people that way.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book is a great introduction for the Underground Railroad. It was short and to the point, but still contained suspense. The character development of Laura is very pleasing, and the character traits of Martin, very realistic for a slave in his time. The setting of the Tryon house is very easy to picture, which affects how I see the story. Laura is stubborn and ignorant when it first comes to helping Martin escape. That part was pretty annoying. But in the middle and end, she learns what is really right. After Laura shifts into her new demeanor, she becomes determined and strong. Martin thankfully isn't bratty, but doesn't change much. He acts like a typical slave at his time; generous, polite, willing. Even though Laura is on the verge of spilling the beans, he doesn't become annoyed with her(like I did) and just continues on his business. Bert and Joel are pretty similar when it comes to dynamics and demeanor. They both get irritated at Laura's attitude towards the Underground Railroad. They both would risk anything to help the slaves escape to Canada. But don't even get me started on Walt. I just wanted to murder him right then and there! It helped me realize what most people were like back then, which disgusts me. Walt is a lot like Bert and Joel in some ways. He too is determined to return all slaves back to their masters. Walt would do anything, even arrest a thirteen year old boy, to set things the way he wants them. The character development really helps to sculpt the story and bring you closer to it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the Underground Railroad. It really is interesting!

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I might have paid more attention to American History classes if I had read this book first. It's just a little slice of what might have been during a particularly tense time in New York when the Underground Railroad was running.



But back when I was a kid in 1980 if it didn't feature a horse, I couldn't be bothered. There is a horse in here but she plays a minor but crucial part of the story.

Now, here in the supposedly civilized twenty-first century, we look back at slavery and wonder how it ever happened it all. Surely it was a clear evil. Everyone in it was evil. Right?



WRONG. Slavery was as complex an issue then as [insert favorite topic here sure to get people shouting, pointing guns at each other and (God forbid) typing in all caps.] One thing I particularly liked about Freedom Crossing is that it gave arguments for slavery in a soft, seductive manner so that you think, "You know -- it could have worked out --" before you shake your head and say



But despite reading this book I still think Uncle Tom' Cabin sucks. Not as bad as slavery sucks, but still sucky all the same.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a girl. Once or twice a year, when I was a little girl, I was allowed to order a book from the Scholastic Book Orders. This is one of the books I chose. I had to buy a new copy for my kids though, because my sisters and I wore mine out years ago. Tryon’s Folly, the house mentioned in this book is a private residence today, so it cannot be toured, but it can be seen from the water. You can learn more about the actual building and how it was used to help bring slaves to freedom, as well as see photo’s of the house and basements at the website listed below.

http://historiclewiston.org/freedomcr...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught this book every year when I was a 5th grade teacher and loved it. My daughter is old enough for it now, so I reread it in order to discuss it with her. This is a great introduction to the Underground Railroad. Laura is strong protagonist, and seeing her views on slavery and the Underground Railroad shift give a deeper understanding of the abolitionist point of view. The story is exciting and adventurous.

[Holly Thompson-Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for a 5th grade audience. It would be impactful to read together as a class during United States History and the Underground Railroad. Many lessons in the area of reading - for example theme and character development can be found within this book. Great discussions on racism, equality, fair and equal treatment of slaves and blacks can be stimulated by this chapter book.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was slow at the beginning, but it got quicker farther in.
It is also in the view of a southern girl who believed that slaves were treated well, but she thought this innocently. When her brother and friend gets involved helping a slave escape to Canada, the girl, Laura, realizes how slavery was bad, really bad. She even became friends with the exslave!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. The main character is such an interesting girl. I enjoyed watching her change her ideas about slavery. Lots of cliffhangers and suspense!!! I recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, or exciting books. Every year I read this book to my class I always enjoy the story.

[Rachel]

Read for my little sister.

[Brook G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lora belved that slavery was not bad but at the end Lora belved that slavery was wrong.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as kid. I read it over and over again. I'm not sure why I loved it so much, but I really did. Thinking about it now, this book was most likely the first time I heard about slavery in the US and learned anything about it.

I was recently helping my mom clean out her classroom and came across this book in her shelves. The same copy that I read as a child. Obviously, I had to claim it.

You never know what you'll get when you revisit a childhood fave. Sometimes it's an absolute disaster. Happily, that was not the case with this book.

Viewing it as an adult, I was able to see it's flaws, but the nostalgia was strong and I still loved it. Buried in the pages were pieces of my childhood and cherished memories.

Laura has just returned North. She's been in the South with her aunt and uncle for four years. Now that her father has remarried, she's come home at the age of 15. She's shocked to discover that her family is involved in the Underground Railroad. Her views have been influenced after living in the South. Now she's forced to help protect Martin, a runaway slave trying to reach Canada. She's not pleased, but as she gets to know Martin and learn more about his life as a slave, she starts to see that she might have been wrong in her ideas about slavery.

It's hard for me to accurately judge this one because I was coming at it with my happy memories of childhood, but I do think it's a great introduction to the horrors of slavery for young readers. Laura naively demonstrates some of the cruel beliefs of slave owners, while Martin and her brother teach her the truth. The slave trackers are very clearly the bad guys. I wouldn't hesitate to read this to my fifth graders.

[Skyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was truly great, and very informative. However, because it was so short, it lacked a lot of detail. Laura’s time in the south, Martin’s story, Bert’s backstory, pretty much everyone’s backstory. I guess the story was truly just to highlight the experience of a runaways slave’s journey to freedom/ the promised land.

I understand that it’s a story meant for children so that’s why it may lack so much backstory but, either way, it’s still a good and informative story.

Also, this bit of the review was inspired off of someone else’s review but I felt like also talking about it. The very ending of the book was disappointing, and I absolutely hated the romance aspect of the story entirely. It felt so out of place and the characters themselves weren’t talked about enough to implement any form of romance, in my opinion.

[Tehnehn Kaijaah Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book about a young girl who goes from pro-slavery to abolitionist thanks to a younger slave child named Martin. Laura starts off as this kind of prissy, tightly wound, spoiled Southern young lady. When she moves back North with her mom, dad, and brother she discovers they are apart of the underground railroad. They help slaves who are in danger of being sent back to their masters get to freedom. Laura, and her brother Bert have to deal with slave catchers, nosy neighbors and each other while keeping Martin safe. I think this is a good book to discuss chattel slavery to the Elementary and Middle school grades. It's pretty short, and does a good job at getting the historical facts right. Would reccommend for educators (specfically) teaching ages 9-14.

[Andrea Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my kids as a read aloud along with our homeschool history. The kids (6&9)loved it and got really into it. I myself enjoyed it and looked forward to our read aloud time each day, we couldn’t wait to find out if Laura would have a change of heart and if Martin would make it to freedom. It was a great read and matched up with a lot of the other books we have been reading about the Underground Railroad.

[Lauren Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome educational, thrilling, and suspenseful story for students to read! Its about the Underground Railroad and helping fugitives escape to Canada. This is a historical event that all students should know the technical details of, but also the emotional and traumatic details. Freedom Crossing pulls these two aspects together in a book that is hard to put down!

[Laura Kniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.. my niece read this in school, and was really interested in the storyline. I love reading the same books as her to be able to talk about them together.
This was a good, easy to understand account of what certain people went through during the time of slavery and the underground railroad. It was definitely an eye opener for my 11 year old niece.

[Autumn Barbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 4 and 7 year old as part of our US history curriculum for homeschool. It was an exciting way for them to learn about the Underground Railroad and led to some good discussions about slavery. I appreciated that one of the main characters had a change of heart from ignorant acceptance of slavery to a conviction that slavery was wrong.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I read the summary I expected Laura helping Martin to escape be a very epic exciting journey. Instead, Laura spends most of her time in their house, and only helps Martin to the meeting point. I feel I almost got scammed into reading this, and would not recommend this book.