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Overground Railroad
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Captivating story of a family's migration North to freedom.
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What's the Story?
OVERGROUND RAILROAD is a fictional story that provides a glimpse into the world of millions of African American families, who escaped destitution in the South and secretly journeyed toward legal and financial freedom in more urban communities across America during the Great Migration. As stated in the Author's Note, this book is about "people who were running from and running to at the same time." The story touches upon the dangerous nature of the journey, as Ruth Ellen and her sharecropper family must flee their current home in secret, due to fear of harsh punishment from the landowner, as in harrowing tales of the Underground Railroad. Characters in the story honor both the differences and parallels between their journey and the one enslaved people took 100 years before the events in this book. Ruth Ellen must remain calm and patient as she embarks on a journey to a new tomorrow, which many regard as "The Promised Land." Trust in the belief that a better future is possible, and powerful love of family are prominent themes in the story.
Is It Any Good?
This remarkable and educational story shifts readers back in time to a defining period in American history. Approximately 50 years after the Great Migration ended, Overground Railroad brings attention to how and why the landscape of American changed. The story of Ruth Ellen and her family can help facilitate conversation about how powerful and courageous migrants of this time were, and how steadfast they were in their dream for a brighter future.
Beautiful line drawings and seemingly tangible patterns set the backdrop for this compelling story. The feelings and dreams of the characters are palpable with each turn of the page. The book includes the depiction of characters of various ages, socioeconomic status, and race throughout the visually stimulating journey.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Overground Railroad details a family's journey from oppression to freedom. What other stories have you read where people escape terrible circumstances hoping for of a better future?
Why do you think some people, like Ruth Ellen's grandparents, stayed in the South?
How do you think Ruth Ellen felt when she finally arrived in New York City with her parents? How are her feelings different then from what she felt on the train?
Imagine what life may have been like for Ruth Ellen and her family after the book ends. Draw a picture of her new life in the North.
Book Details
- Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
- Illustrator: James E. Ransome
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , History , Trains
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Holiday House
- Publication date: January 7, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 7
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 26, 2021
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