The Underground Railroad

Advantageously reproducing first-hand accounts and his own arresting photographs, Bial (Shaker Home) effectively evokes the era of slavery and its divisive effects on the United States. Bial focuses on the history of the Underground Railroad, building on the experiences of both riders and conductors as he outlines the political climate and the moral beliefs that allowed slavery to thrive and those that helped bring about its downfall. He is adept at showing the emotions and convictions that drove activists on both sides of the issues; numerous historical engravings, newspaper clippings and documents effectively illustrate the heated debate. The book's most impressive quality, however, is the way it encourages readers to put themselves in the place of the slaves and those who helped them escape. Clear, ambient photos of the stations of the Underground Railroad, slave housing and artifacts (e.g., a slave's worn-out wooden shoes; posters advertising rewards for runaway slaves) provide strong, immediate images. Expertly lit and often strikingly composed, the photos create a sense of the hazards and terrors of traveling from station to station, often only steps ahead of bounty hunters, and of the determination and courage of those who used and operated the Railroad. A map of the Railroad routes is also included. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)