History Smashers: The Underground Railroad

Everything you thought you knew about the Underground Railroad is about to be turned upside down — and the real story is even more remarkable!

History Smashers: The Underground Railroad cuts through the myths and half-truths to reveal the incredible, complicated reality of Black Americans' fight for freedom before and during the Civil War. Written for curious, history-loving readers aged 8 and up, this action-packed nonfiction book blends sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels to make the truth of history impossible to put down. Acclaimed author Kate Messner and Brown Bookshelf contributor Gwendolyn Hooks team up to bust open the legends — like the quilt codes and signal lanterns — and replace them with the whole, powerful story.

• Myth-Busting History: Tackles popular misconceptions head-on, showing young readers that the Underground Railroad was far less organised — and freedom seekers far more courageous and resourceful — than the legends suggest.
• Engaging Mixed-Media Format: Packed with sidebars, photographs, illustrations, and graphic novel-style panels that bring history to life and keep reluctant readers hooked from cover to cover.
• Perfect for the Classroom and Beyond: An ideal companion for history units on slavery, abolition, and the Civil War era, and a brilliant independent read for kids who loved I Survived! or Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.
• Part of a Bestselling Series: A standout entry in the History Smashers series, which smashes everything kids thought they knew about pivotal moments in history — from the Mayflower to Pearl Harbor.

About the Author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author of books for young readers, known for making history and science accessible, exciting, and honest. She is the creator of the History Smashers series, which has earned widespread praise from educators, librarians, and young readers alike. Gwendolyn Hooks is a contributor to the Brown Bookshelf and a passionate advocate for diverse stories and accurate representation in children's literature. Together, they bring rigour, warmth, and a genuine respect for their readers to every page of History Smashers: The Underground Railroad.

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