Underground to Canada facts for kids
Underground to Canada is an exciting historical novel written for young people by Barbara Smucker. It was first released in Canada in 1977. The next year, it came out in the United States with a different title: Runaway to Freedom: A Story of the Underground Railway. This book is partly based on a true story. It takes place in the United States and Canada just before the American Civil War. The story shows the difficult lives of enslaved people in the American South. It also highlights the brave people who helped them escape to Canada using the Underground Railroad. Many Canadian schools study this important novel.
Contents
The Story of Underground to Canada
The book follows a young girl named Julilly. She was born into slavery on the Hensen Cotton Plantation in Virginia. Even though she was enslaved, she found some happiness. But everything changed when slave traders arrived. Julilly was sadly taken away from her mother. She was then moved to the Riley Plantation in Mississippi.
Julilly's Journey to Freedom
On the Riley Plantation, Julilly meets Liza. Liza is another enslaved girl who is injured. She needs help to reach Canada, a place where they can be free. After a short time on the plantation, a kind man arrives. His name is Mr. Alexander Ross. He is an abolitionist, which means he works to end slavery. Mr. Ross pretends to be a bird watcher. His real mission is to help Julilly, Liza, and two boys named Lester and Adam escape.
They begin their dangerous journey in the middle of the night. They travel across the country, getting lots of help. Many brave people, called "conductors," guide them along the Underground Railroad. This secret network helps enslaved people escape to freedom.
Challenges and Reunions
During their escape, Adam and Lester are sadly captured. They are taken back to the Riley Plantation. This leaves Julilly and Liza to continue their journey alone. Despite the dangers, the girls finally make it to Canada. There, they are truly free!
Later, Lester also arrives in Canada and reunites with them. However, Adam unfortunately died. In Canada, Julilly has a joyful reunion with her own mother. Her mother then adopts Liza, making them a new family. Even though Canada is not perfect and some white people do not welcome them, they are ready to build a new life together.
Challenges and Discussions About the Book
Over the years, Underground to Canada has faced some challenges. Some parents found the book upsetting. They worried that a certain word used in the novel (a racial slur) could cause racism in classrooms.
Concerns from Parents and Educators
Complaints were made about the book being used in schools. For example, in Manitoba in 1998 and in Nova Scotia in 2002. People who disagreed with the book's use felt it gave a negative image of Black people. They also argued that it made slavery seem less terrible than it was.
Lawrence Hill, who wrote the introduction for the book's 25th Anniversary Edition, agreed. He said the book might show a "lighter" view of a very harsh history. However, he also pointed out that the book was written for young readers. This allowed them to understand the brutal reality of slavery in an age-appropriate way.
Awards and Recognition for the Novel
Barbara Smucker, the author, won many awards for her children's books. These include the Canada Council Children's Literature Prize and the Vicky Metcalf Award.
International Honors for Underground to Canada
Underground to Canada itself has received many international awards and special mentions. Even with the challenges it faced, the book has been recognized globally. Some of its honors include:
- Children's Book Center (named one of the 50 best books of all time in Canada)
- IBBY Honour Book
- Brotherhood Award (from the National Conference of Christians and Jews)
- Awards from the All-Japan Library Committee and Catholic Teachers Association of West Germany
- Listed in 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
- Vicky Metcalf Award
- Shalom Readers Club Book List
