The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom

by Bettye Stroud, Erin Susanne Bennett (Illustrations)

The images stitched into Hannah's quilt lead to secret signposts on the Underground Railroad as she and her father take flight from slavery on a perilous path to freedom.

Now that Hannah's papa has decided to make the run for freedom, her patchwork quilt is not just a precious memento of Mama -- it's a series of hidden clues that will guide them along the Underground Railroad to Canada. A fictionalized account of a fascinating oral history, The Patchwork Path tells the story of a two of the thousands who escaped a life of slavery and made the dangerous journey to freedom -- a story of courage, determination, and hope.

- A Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights Outstanding Book, Honorable Mention

32 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2007

About the author

Bettye Stroud, a former school library media specialist and author of several children’s books, is on a “mission” to introduce kids to the joys and benefits of reading at an early age. Reading out loud to children is the single most important thing an adult can do to prepare a child for future academic success and life. “Reading is a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives, and embracing it at an early age develops their love of books in addition to expanding their knowledge and vocabulary”, says Ms. Stroud.

Ms. Stroud’s entire career was spent working with elementary school children. Because she’s read thousands of books over the years, she knew what kind of stories she wanted to tell. After retiring, she joined a writer's group. Years of involvement with the best writers and best literature in the children’s field gave her the background she needed for her new venture. Ms. Stroud loves the personal interaction with children, so she spends a great deal of time visiting schools and libraries and inspiring children to read, grow, and dream.