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American History Reading List
America, the 1800's

1860's: Slavery & the Underground Railroad

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Books on slavery in this reading list are chosen for their tact in presenting the topic in a way that is appropriate for kids, especially for the younger ages.

A good way to introduce the Underground Railroad to early elementary children is with the Drinking Gourd stories, and one is offered from the I Can Read book series . For older elementary (to Junior High), the historical fiction The Slave Dancer is a classic.

Reading List Grade Levels

AMERICAN HISTORY: 1800s — Slavery & the Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad Map

Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad

Amistad Rising: A Story of Freedom by Veronica Chaqmbers, illus. Paul Lee. Harcourt Brace & Co., 1998. E-UE*
A captivating story in a picture book, although the *content may be too intense for the younger child. Tells of the 1839 mutiny of a slave ship by its imprisoned slaves, and the resulting court cases in America to determine whether the slaves should be returned to their Spanish captors or allowed to go home to West Africa.

Amos Fortune: Free Man (Puffin Newbery Library) by Elizabeth Yates, illus. by Nora S. Unwin. E.P. Dutton, 1950. UE-JH+
Newbery Honor. The true story of a king's son who at 15 is captured from his African home and sent to America as a slave. Amos overcomes his circumstances and prospers, gaining freedom for himself and for several others as well.

The Drinking Gourd: A Story of the Underground Railroad (An I Can Read Book) by F.N. Monjo. E
A young boy finds runaway slaves hiding in his barn, and helps them on their way.

Escape from Slavery (The American Adventure # 16) by Norma Jean Lutz. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.

Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter, illus. J. Winter. Alfred A. Knopf, 1988. K-E
The story of the song that showed escaping slaves the way to freedom and the Underground Railroad. Recommended. UE would enjoy it, too!

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling. Scholastic. UE+

Friend on Freedom River by Glroia Whelan, illus. Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen. Sleeping Bear Press, 2004. E-UE
This is a beautiful book that tells a beautiful story. Escaping slaves need help to cross the river to Canada & freedom. Louis' father is away and it's getting dark, but he chooses to row them over by himself. The slaves & Louis encourage each other in the journey, as all of them must be brave.

Go Free or Die: A Story About Harriet Tubman (Carolrhoda Creative Minds Book) by Jeri Ferris, illus. Karen Ritz. E-UE

Listen for the Whipporwill (Trailblazer Books) by Dave & Neta Jackson. E-JH
Christian historical fiction. Harriet Tubman. Curriculum Guide available.

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler, illus. Samuel Byrd. Holiday House, 1992. E-UE
This biography tells of the life & influence of Harriet Tubman in an easy-to-read style with full-color illustrations on each page.

The Runaway's Revenge (Trailblazer Books) (Trailblazers series) by Dave & Neta Jackson. E-JH
Christian historical fiction based on the slave trader, John Newton.

The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox. 1973. UE-JH+
Newbery Medal. Gripping story of a young boy's forced voyage on a slave ship, awakening the reader to the evils & cruelty of the slave trade. Captivating, powerful storytelling.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. HS
The book that alerted the nation to the evils of slavery and turned the tide for change.

The Walls of Cartagena by Julia Durango, illu. Tom Pohrt. Simon & Schuster, 2008. UE-JH
[NOTE: Set in the 1630's] A young slave is fortunate to be well-treated, while others suffer the evils of slavery in the islands of the Carribean. He uses his privileges to help others. Difficult topic, but with a happy ending. Caution: After a difficult childbirth, a woman is described as being "naked and covered in blood." Boy calls an adult an a**, although it is considered humorous.

Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story About Sojourner Truth (Carolrhoda Creative Minds Book) by Jeri Ferris, illus. Peter E. Hanson. Carolrhoda Books, 1988. E-UE
Only a few black-and-white illustrations, but the story holds attention. The strength & determination of one woman, from the horrors of slavery to her efforts to help her people, are inspirational.