Summary:
The story takes place
during the time of slaverly, when slaves were secretly escaping to the
north. Peg Leg Joe travels from one plantation to another, teaching
slaves a song that helps them find the Underground Railroad to freedom.
The story follows a group of slaves on their way to freedom by
following the drinking gourd, or the Big Dipper, and signs left by Peg
Leg Joe as well as receiving help from farmers. In the end, they cross
the border to freedom.
Recommendation
for Parents:
The storytelling is short and
engaging, wonderful for all ages. For such a short book, the pictures
give a wonder depiction of the mood and feelings the characters are
feeling and will draw the reader in. There are sections that are
repetitive so younger readers can still follow along and even fill in
the words when they've memorized it.
Recommendation
for Teachers:
The book portrays various ways the
slaves find their way to freedom as well as the encounters they have on
their journey. It also portrays the feeling of always being on the
look-out and the need to be careful while they are escaping. This book
is a great introduction or wrap up to the Underground Railroad segment
of the curriculum. At the end of the book, there is the song sheet for
the song that was taught by Peg Leg Joe that can be taught to the class
while reading the book.
Personal Note:
I remember reading this book when I
was in elementary school. I like this book because of the way it seems
to make me worry about the characters and feel their feelings before I
realize it. I love how the author includes the song notes at the end so
that if we learn the tune, we can sing along to the song while it is
repeated throughout the book.
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