Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad

Woodruff, Elvira

ISBN 10: 0679985948 ISBN 13: 9780679985945

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1998

Synopsis

The year is 1853 and eleven-year-old Levi Ives can't wait to cross the wide country to join his brother, Austin, out in the Oregon Territory and escape from boring old Sudbury, Pennsylvania. But life back home suddenly goes from dull to dangerous when Levi's best friend, Jupiter, discovers that his little sister, Darcy, has disappeared, recaptured by slave owners. Levi is white and Jupiter is black, and together they set out into dangerous territory in an attempt to save little Darcy's freedom--and her life. This moving sequel to Dear Levi, told in letters, is rich in history and adventure, a must-have for teachers, reluctant readers, and every Dear Levi fan.  

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Set in 1853, this sequel to Dear Levi consists of letters written by 11-year-old Levi Ives to his older brother Austin. . . . [He] describes his escapades in the Pennsylvania countryside with his friend, Jupiter, the son of a former slave. When Jupiter's sister is captured by slave traders, the two boys undertake a dangerous journey south to try and free her. While hiding in the woods, they meet Harriet Tubman, and Levi realizes that some of his neighbors are part of the Underground Railroad. Rich in adventure, mystery, and suspense, the succinctly written narrative depicts Levi's struggle to understand the prejudicial attitudes of others. This carefully researched and vividly imagined novel presents the emotional and gripping tale of one boy's confrontation with the issue of slavery and its significance in American history."        --School Library Journal

"Woodruff combines swift pacing, historical detail, humor, suffering, depth, and precise characterizations, for a wholly satisfying page turner." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author:

Elvira Woodruff is the author of more than a dozen picture books and novels for young readers.

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0679985948
• ISBN 13: 9780679985945
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128