Follow the Drinking Gourd
Common Sense Note
The story engages children by bringing history to life. Be prepared to sing the folk song (music provided) at the end.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Lisa Fratt
A difficult task: How do you present difficult topics such as slavery and the Underground Railroad without frightening young ones? Jeanette Winters accomplishes this with rhythmic, gentle text and simple pictures in soothing nighttime tones that still convey the fear and hardship runaway slaves experience.
The book successfully incorporates the musical and scientific aspects of the legend of Peg Leg Joe into the text. A few of the illustrations may seem a bit scary, but Winter keeps the presentation gentle enough for her young audience without sacrificing accuracy by presenting a watered-down version of history.
While the paintings in the first half may evoke fear and pity, as the book progresses and the family nears freedom, the background colors lighten and brighten. One of the more soothing scenes is of mother Molly giving her son, Isaiah, a bath in a warm Quaker home along the route.
Though it may spur tough but valid questions about slavery, this book also stimulates an interest in astronomy, maps, history, and of course, music.
Plot Summary:
Follow the stars to freedom! In song and story the legend of Peg Leg Joe, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, comes to life. The author employs song to teach young readers about a difficult subject in an age-appropriate way, without sacrificing historical accuracy. The pictures, though well done, at times are frightening for young ones.
Related Books:
Other good books in this genre include Allan Jay and the Underground Railroad by Marlene Targ Brill, and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson.
Rate It!
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ViolenceThe foreground of one picture depicts a slave driver with a whip. The family hides from dogs and fights off a wolf. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorThis may be your young one's introduction to the shameful history of enslavement. |
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