Escape from Slavery: Five Journeys to Freedom

Throughout this concisely wrought volume, Rappaport ( American Women: Their Lives in Their Words ; The Boston Coffee Party ; Trouble at the Mines ) expresses the courage, determination and ingenuity of black American slaves who risked their lives to attain freedom in the North during the 18th and 19th centuries. Besides recounting the details of five daring escapes, the book explains slave laws of the era and introduces figures who played key roles in aiding and sheltering runaways. Featuring straightforward, easy-to-read narrative, these inherently suspenseful accounts will intrigue readers of all ages. Ages 9-12. (Mar.)