History Smashers: The Underground Railroad

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Underground Railroad and Black Americans’ struggle for freedom. Perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

Before the Civil War, there was a crack team of abolitionists who used quilts and signal lanterns to guide enslaved people to freedom. RIGHT? WRONG! The truth is, the Underground Railroad wasn’t very organized, and most freedom seekers were on their own.

With a mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels, acclaimed author Kate Messner and coauthor and Brown Bookshelf contributor Gwendolyn Hooks deliver the whole truth about the Underground Railroad.

Discover the nonfiction series that smashes everything you thought you knew about history!

Series Overview: HISTORY SMASHERS is a paperback original series that explores historical moments in a frank and often surprising manner—busting myths and having fun along the way. There’s a topic for every kid!

PUB PLAN: Summer 2020: (#1) Mayflower, (#2) Women’s Right to Vote * Spring 2021: (#3) Pearl Harbor, (#4) Titanic * Summer 2021: (#5) American Revolution * Fall 2021: (#6) Plagues and Pandemics * Summer 2022 (#7) Underground Railroad

About the Author

KATE MESSNER is passionately curious and writes books that encourage kids to wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books, like Over and Under the Snow; novels, like Breakout and Chirp; the Fergus and Zeke easy reader series, and the popular Ranger in Time chapter books, and works of nonfiction with a focus on nature and history.

    GWENDOLYN HOOKS is a contributor to the Brown Bookshelf and author of twenty books for children. She writes both fiction and nonfiction to encourage children to explore their world. She lives in Oklahoma City. Find out more at gwendolynhooks.com.

Author Residence: Plattsburgh, New York