Escape!: A Story of the Underground Railroad

by Sharon Shavers Gayle, Eric Velásquez (Illustrator)

While on a visit to the Anacostia Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Emma finds herself as a runaway slave using the Underground Railroad to make her way to freedom in Canada.

Genres: African American, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kyla Klym]

I really liked this book because it represents how those who went on the underground railroad felt, and the things they had to sacrifice to make it happen. I also like how it is a lighter story, making it very appropriate for young kids. It allows children to learn about slavery and the underground railroad while not being too heavy or inappropriate for their age.

[Marilyn]

An easy-reader about a modern African American girl who while visiting a museum, travels back in time to the Underground Railroad. Good portray of both the fear and joy that may have been felt to live during that time and travel north to Canada through the Underground Railroad!

[Hannah Sidel]

This is a story about a present day student, Emma, who has just visited the Smithsonian Institute with her class. As Emma is leaving, she finds herself wondering in a field and falls asleep! The field transports her back to the time of slavery in America. All of a sudden, a woman named Sister Ann is picking up Emma in a wagon and she is being told they must go quickly if they are to escape north! Emma, Sister Ann and Sister Ann’s family follow the Underground Railroad to find freedom.
This story’s historical representation of the Underground Railroad was excellent! The characters use multiple modes of transportation and discuss how they know they are going the correct way. This story would be a great introduction to upper elementary students studying American history. It is educational in an exciting way that makes the students want to know what will happen next.

[Morgan]

I think this book would be a great way to introduce a unit on the Civil War and slavery to upper elementary students. It is about a little girl who has a dream about what it would be like to have traveled on the Underground Railroad after visiting a museum. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and it makes the past really come alive.

[Hannah]

I mean, it's cute, but I feel like the approach is a bit awkward and might be too difficult for young readers. That sort of transition works in film but not as well in books.