Awards
2001 | Red Cedar Book Award, shortlist, Young Readers' Choice Awards Society of B.C. for books published in 1998 |
2000 | CCBC Our Choice List, starred selection Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, shortlist |
1999 | Information Book Award, winner, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Norma Fleck Award, shortlist, Fleck Foundation and the Canadian Children's Book Centre |
1998 | Smithsonian's Notable Books for Children Silver Birch Award, Official Selection, Ontario Library Association |
Reviews
"This superb text vivifies the stories behind the flight to freedom."
— Smithsonian Magazine
"This fictional story, based on the experiences of many real slaves and their helpers, is filled with drama and pathos and grips the reader from beginning to end. The mix of story, information, and activities for kids brings the past vividly alive. This is a terrific book, ideal for both home and classroom use."
— Quill & Quire, July 1998
"In short chapters, the story of fictional escaped slave Eliza Jackson and her family unfold, paralleling the effect on and courage of Canadian Johanna Reid and her family, who hide Eliza and her brother Ben until they can safely reunite with their mother. Smoothly sandwiched in are maps, drawings, and factual passages that give background details of the time. The clean, approachable design presents all of these elements in a clear, organized manner and the black-andwhite illustrations complement both fictional and historical elements."
— Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 1998
"A book that is part novel, part history lesson, and part activity guide. Surprisingly, Greenwood succeeds on all counts. Sepia drawings appear on almost every page, giving the book an open look."
— School Library Journal, January 1999