This book is a great tale about how one family escapes to freedom along the Underground Railroad. In this story, Peg-leg Joe goes around teaching slaves the song entitled “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” This song contains hidden instructions on following the North Star to freedom. In this story the family endures hardships along a great journey to the North. With help from kind conductors along the Underground Railroad, the family is able to make it to freedom at last. This story has great illustrations, and clearly explains what the Underground Railroad is. With the class, you could listen to the actual song, and discuss the directions hidden within the song’s lyrics. You could also use the book as a jumping-board to a discussion about the dangers along the Underground Railroad, and the consequences for being caught. It is a great book that really enables the reader to empathize with the hardships of fugitive slaves during these hard times.
No comments:
Post a Comment