Barbara Smucker's Underground to Canada is praised for its compelling narrative and historical accuracy in depicting the journey of escaping slavery. Readers highlight its age-appropriate yet impactful exploration of a sensitive topic, though some feel it lacks depth in character development. Overall, it's lauded as an important educational tool for young readers.

Readers who enjoyed The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson are likely to appreciate Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker. This novel appeals to middle grade readers interested in historical fiction about slavery and the resilience and courage in the struggle for freedom.

In Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker, Julilly, an enslaved adolescent girl in Virginia, is sold to a plantation owner in Mississippi, separating her from her mother. Following her mother's advice, she attempts to escape to Canada, enduring a perilous journey via the Underground Railroad, facing danger, and receiving aid from various allies, ultimately reaching freedom in Canada. This book describes enslavement, abuse, and racism.

Inspirational / Emotional / Suspenseful / Dark / Hopeful

- Published in 1977, Underground to Canada is a celebrated work in Canadian children's literature and continues to be used in classrooms for its historical themes.
- The novel draws inspiration from the real-life Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom.
- Barbara Smucker, the author, previously worked as a librarian and journalist, which influenced her meticulous research and writing style for the novel.

Barbara Smucker

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Underground To Canada Summary and Study Guide

Background

Underground To Canada Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Underground To Canada Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

Underground To Canada Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Underground To Canada Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

Underground To Canada Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Underground To Canada Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Underground To Canada Character Analysis

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Themes

Underground To Canada Themes

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Underground To Canada Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Underground To Canada Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Underground To Canada Essay Topics

Underground To Canada

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Underground To Canada?

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Book Details