-
“Riveting…a
thrilling and hopeful novel.”
— Columbus Dispatch
-
“[This] dramatic,
often poignant historical novel…gives youngsters an immediate, at times
thrilling, account of the workings of the Underground Railroad; the view of the
Weemses' family life provides some idea of the incredible determination and
ingenuity of slaves aspiring to freedom. Imaginatively and sensitively adapted
from historical records, this portrait will evoke admiration for the courage of
both those who resisted slavery and those who endured it.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
-
“The author
has painstakingly recreated mid-nineteenth century Maryland to tell the
compelling, true story of Ann Maria Weems.”
— Children’s Literature
-
“A deftly
crafted story…In the author’s note, Carbone sketches the extent of her
exhaustive research and provides as much further data on the characters as
possible. This is a fine piece of historical fiction with a strong, appealing
heroine.”
— School Library Journal
-
“This
historical novel combines the appeal of exciting escape adventure with
authentic details of the time and place. Carbone's research is meticulous…Of
course, readers will be caught up in the suspense of narrow escapes and daring
disguise on Ann’s journey with various brave conductors to freedom. The real
story is in the characters’ personal lives: the sense of how it felt to be a
child under slavery and to have your family broken up, your brothers sold away,
then the shock of what it meant to be free. The scenes of family reunion are
heartfelt drama.”
— Booklist
-
“This
compelling tale of a passenger on the Underground Railroad is entirely
populated with historical figures; not since Gary Paulsen’s Nightjohn has the
physical and emotional impact of slavery been made so palpable…A richly
detailed society emerges, in which the powerless hold their own through quick
wit and strength of character and the powerful, scarred by the fact of slavery,
know little real peace. Varying in tone from devastating simplicity to subtle
irony underlying scenes in which abolitionists gather to fuss over Ann Marie as
if she were some rare animal, this story pays tribute to the power of the very
idea of freedom.”
— Kirkus Reviews
-
“There is
great insight into the inner workings of the Underground Railroad including
people in other countries, aside from just running and brief shelters in the
dead of night…The narration was clear and satisfying with voice changes to
distinguish between characters and convincing accents (Irish, southern) when
applicable; the speed, pleasantly conversational. Highly recommended.”
— Children’s Literature (audio review)
-
“The
Underground Railroad takes center stage in Elisa Carbone’s story…Robin Miles’
narration is strong…This compelling audiobook will be useful in social studies
classes serving upper elementary and middle school students.”
— School Library Journal (starred audio review)
-
“Robin
Miles brings the struggles and triumphs of one slave family to life with her
expressive voice and emotional reading. Miles captures the vocal cadences of
these Maryland slaves, and her deep tones, even and tempered but never meek,
transport the listener into their lives. The stilted Irish brogue of the
Prices, the family that owns Ann and her family, is a counterpoint to the
voices of the close-knit Weems family. As Ann, assisted by abolitionists, makes
her escape to Canada, she encounters many who help her—from the lawyer Mr.
Bigelow, who is portrayed in a straightforward, relaxed voice, to the minister
who accompanies Ann on the train across the border, whose voice is alternately
weary and full of excitement at his part in securing her freedom. Winner of an AudioFile
Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile