Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Rating:
Summary: A Magical Trip on the Underground Railroad.....
Review: "One day, my brother Be Be and I were flying among the stars, way way up, so far up the mountains looked like pieces of rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea. We came across an old ramshackled train in the sky." So begins Cassie Louise Lightfoot's tale of meeting "conductor" Harriet Tubman and riding the underground railroad to Canada. Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has authored a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes, included to augment lessons and discussions, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad In The Sky is a masterpiece youngsters 6-10 shouldn't miss and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: "One day, my brother Be Be and I were flying among the stars, way way up, so far up the mountains looked like pieces of rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea. We came across an old ramshackled train in the sky." So begins Cassie Louise Lightfoot's tale of meeting "conductor" Harriet Tubman and riding the underground railroad to Canada. Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has authored a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes, included to augment lessons and discussions, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad In The Sky is a masterpiece youngsters 6-10 shouldn't miss and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Rating:
Summary: Review of Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad in the Sky
Review: The story of the Underground Railroad is presented in a magical, yet understandable way for primary school children. Cassie and her brother begin a journey to freedom, just like generations before them did in order to escape slavery. Cassie and her brother learn about slavery and the reasons why so many braved the perilous journey to the northern states and Canada. Cassie relives the journey and experiences many of the feelings and events that others did as she desperately tries to catch up to her brother, who has boarded the "train". The illustrations of acrylic on canvas enhance and heighten the excitement as Cassie makes her way through the woods and meets with those willing to help her. I recommend this book to others as a great way to explain the concept of the Underground Railroad and it's place in our country's history.

Rating:
Summary: Review of Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad in the Sky
Review: The story of the Underground Railroad is presented in a magical, yet understandable way for primary school children. Cassie and her brother begin a journey to freedom, just like generations before them did in order to escape slavery. Cassie and her brother learn about slavery and the reasons why so many braved the perilous journey to the northern states and Canada. Cassie relives the journey and experiences many of the feelings and events that others did as she desperately tries to catch up to her brother, who has boarded the "train". The illustrations of acrylic on canvas enhance and heighten the excitement as Cassie makes her way through the woods and meets with those willing to help her. I recommend this book to others as a great way to explain the concept of the Underground Railroad and it's place in our country's history.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: This book is fantastic - its illustrations are haunting and lovely, and the story is magical and historical at the same time. Faith Ringgold's approach makes the history simpler for children to understand while not undermining the depth and horror of slavery in America. I highly recommend it to any parent.