Stiles, Martha Bennett. Sailing to Freedom.

Stiles, Martha Bennett. Sailing to Freedom.     Macmillan/Henry Holt    245p $16.99 978-0-8050-9238-7   elm/ms    E-BN      Historical fiction

     
Escaping from mean Uncle Slye to sign on as a hand on Uncle Thad’s ship, Ray doesn’t fully understand what he is getting into.  He learns about the ship, his duties, and the background stories of the crew.  He knows that the cook to whom he is the assistant was once a slave but is now free.  What he does not know involves something that is hidden in the pantry.  After his discovery, he has a better idea of his position on slavery.

The detailed in-depth research by the author is readily evident in this historical novel, especially concerning all things nautical, Capuchin monkeys, and the Underground Railroad.  These three elements are expertly interwoven into the tale.  The descriptions of the antics of Allie the monkey are priceless and ring true.  The action of the Ogun (an escaping slave) episodes heighten the suspense throughout the novel but also move the story forward.  The brief meeting between the two boys is especially poignant.

This historical fiction gives readers a peek into different aspects of the Underground Railroad and the issue of slavery.  It is very highly recommended for grades 4-7 to present an unusual view of the Underground Railroad. 

Slavery-Fiction, Underground Railroad-Fiction, Ships-Fiction   -– Joan Theal