Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom facts for kids
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| Author | Shane W. Evans |
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| Illustrator | Shane W. Evans |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Roaring Brook Press |
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Publication date
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January 18, 2011 |
| Awards | Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators |
| ISBN | 9781596435384 |
Underground is a special picture book created by Shane W. Evans. He wrote the story and drew all the pictures. The book was released in 2011 by Roaring Brook Press. It later won a big award called the Coretta Scott King Award for its amazing illustrations in 2012.
This book tells an important story from the 1800s. It shows an African-American family who were enslaved. They bravely escape from a plantation. The story follows their journey as they use the secret network known as the Underground Railroad to find their way to freedom.
Contents
About the Book
Underground is a powerful book that uses very few words. Instead, it uses beautiful and strong pictures to tell its story. The book shows the difficult journey of a family seeking freedom. It highlights their courage and hope.
The Story of Freedom
The book's main characters are an African-American family. They are living in a time when many people were forced into slavery. The story begins with their decision to escape. It shows their silent, careful movements through the night. The illustrations help readers feel the tension and the hope of their journey.
The Underground Railroad
The family in Underground uses the Underground Railroad. This was not a real railroad with trains. Instead, it was a secret network of safe houses and routes. Brave people, both Black and white, helped enslaved people escape to free states or Canada. These helpers were called "conductors." They guided people from one safe place to another. The book shows the family moving through forests and swamps. They are always trying to avoid being caught.
Why This Book Is Important
Underground teaches young readers about a very important part of American history. It shows the strength and determination of people who fought for their freedom. The book helps us understand the challenges faced by those escaping slavery. It also celebrates the hope and bravery that led them to a new life.
Awards and Recognition
Underground has received several important awards and honors. These awards recognize the book's quality and its impact. They show that experts in children's literature found it to be an outstanding work.
Major Awards
- School Library Journal chose it as one of the Best Nonfiction Books of 2011.
- It won the prestigious Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators in 2012. This award honors African-American authors and illustrators of children's books.
- The American Library Association (ALA) included it on their Notable Children's Books list in 2012.
- The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) also recognized it. It was on their list of Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts for 2012.
