Eliza's Freedom Road

Eliza's Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary by Jerdine Nolen
Youth New Book Shelves - Lower Level - NOLEN

This story follows Eliza on her trek toward freedom on the underground railroad. It takes place in 1854 in Alexandria, Virginia. Eliza's mother was sold away, leaving her with only a story quilt to remember her by. Eliza has the gift of storytelling, learned from her mother, and she shares them with the other slaves throughout the book. She also has the gift of being able to read and write, taught by the mistress of the house she serves. When her mistress gets very sick, Eliza becomes afraid that she, too, will be traded away by the master of the house. Harriet Tubman shows her another possibility: freedom. This is a very touching story of Eliza's journey north. She meets up with other escaped slaves, and they look out for each other as a new family. This is a well-researched book, full of history and folktales. It is an important book for most age groups, starting with children around 3rd or 4th grade. Adults will appreciate it too.