Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane Evans

Evans, S. (2011). Underground: Finding the light to freedom. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press.

Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane Evans is a 2013 Coretta Scott King Award winner. Underground tells the harrowing tale of the plight of slaves escaping to freedom using the underground railroad. It is told very simply with no more than a few words on each page. The illustrations of the book are primarily composed of deep blue hues with dark tones to signify the night time journeys undertaken using the underground railroad. Some yellow is introduced as the story moves along to show light along the way shining from the lamps of those who helped the slaves along the way. At the end yellow hues are prominently displayed to symbolize the slaves’ new found freedom and life. This book would be a good story to use to infer various story elements. For example, students could infer why the author says certain things like “We run”, “We fear”, and “Some don’t make it.” Students could then make inferences about why the slaves must run or are fearful or why some don’t make it to freedom. Additionally, Underground could easily be used as a link to the social studies curriculum when learning about slavery and the underground railroad. For instance in the third grade standards, students are expected to learn about the contributions of famous americans and Harriet Tubman is included in those famous people. This book would be a good read aloud while learning about Harriet Tubman and her bravery leading slaves to freedom using the underground railroad. The overarching theme of the story-hope, determination, and freedom make this book a pleasure to read!

(Image from www.amazon.com)