Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Will Martin Make it to Freedom?

It is the mid-1800s and fifteen year old Laura Eastman has just returned to her home in upstate New York after living with her aunt and uncle in the South for the last few years.  During her time away she has changed and so has her family.  It is clear that Laura believes that slavery is necessary and right.  Her younger brother, Bert, couldn’t feel more different and is actually working with their father to help slaves as part of the Underground Railroad.  When Laura awakens in the night to voices from downstairs she creeps closer and is appalled that a slave is in their home, hoping to escape.  Martin is a young slave who has been treated poorly. His family has already made it to freedom, but he was sick and was not able to flee with them.  Now Laura’s childhood friend and her brother are determined to help Martin get to The Promised Land, Canada. Will Laura help Martin to freedom?  Will the slave catchers that are all around town find out what they are up to? Will Laura turn in her brother and friend? You must read this book to find out how everything turns out! 

Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark is a fantastic historical fiction book about slavery and what it means to be free. I liked seeing the way the characters developed and changed as the story progressed.  The author did a great job showing two different sides to the slavery debate that was going on during the 1800s.  It is a wonderful book for people of all ages and I think kids in fourth through seventh grade will especially relate to Laura, Bert, and Martin. I know I would like to be friends with Bert because he stands up for what he believes in. This book is an excellent example of what people will do to have the freedom they want and deserve.  The book takes place in Lewiston, NY and there are statues and historic sites to visit that are mentioned in the book. I know one place I will be visiting this summer!  If you have not read it yet, I recommend it! J

Has anyone else read Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark? Or read another book by Margaret Goff Clark?

Happy Reading! ~L
Posted by Lizzy Mackerville at 6:00:00 AM

16 comments:

  1. Felicity Grace TerryMay 30, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    Without a doubt a book I'd enjoy, thanks for the recommendation

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  2. Kelly HashwayMay 30, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    I haven't read this one. Actually, I haven't read any historical fiction in some time--probably since I stopped teaching. I really do need to read one again.

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    1. Lizzy MackervilleMay 30, 2012 at 8:18 PM

      Kelly- If you haven't read any HF in a while- this is a good one. Fast and interesting. :) ~L

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  3. momto8May 30, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    historical fiction is my all time favorite...I learn so much and tell whoever is at the dinner table.... now they like historical fiction too..I will order this for the summer for my boys. I will order it tonight!! thanks.

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    1. Lizzy MackervilleMay 31, 2012 at 9:46 AM

      Annmarie- I love HF, too! It is amazing how much you can learn with each book. I hope your boys enjoy it! ~L

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  4. momto8May 30, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    $3.78 total on Amazon.

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  5. Yanting GuehMay 31, 2012 at 5:29 AM

    Sounds like one I would really enjoy. I never notice this but I do like historical fiction, especially the MG level. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Lizzy MackervilleMay 31, 2012 at 9:48 AM

      Claudine- It is a great book and it is fascinating that the setting is a town that really was part of the Underground Railroad. :) ~L

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  6. FlexJune 2, 2012 at 5:49 PM

    I read this book last year and liked it a lot. I find the underground railroad to be interesting. Great review.

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    1. DMSJune 3, 2012 at 1:12 PM

      Thanks, Flex! How awesome that you read it and liked it, too! :) ~F

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  7. TreyJune 3, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Sounds like a good book! I am curious to know how it all works out for Martin.

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    1. DMSJune 5, 2012 at 11:51 AM

      Trey- It is! I hope you enjoy reading it and finding out what happens to Martin. :) ~F

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  8. UnknownJune 7, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    Who doesn't like historical stories? I liked the idea of this book right from the start.

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    1. DMSJune 7, 2012 at 8:16 PM

      I agree with you, Donna. I enjoy HF because there is usually action and I learn something about the past that I didn't know already! ~F

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