Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Last updated Monday, March 25, 2002

Author: Faith Ringgold
Illustrator:
Date of Publication:
ISBN:
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2001

Synopsis: Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach, soars into the sky once more. This time, she and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people, and Be Be joins them. But the train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is finally reunited with her brother at the story's end.

Craft ideas:

• Make a quilt placemat out of different pieces of paper, or weave one as in the book.
• Make a flying train bookmark. What freedom message would you put on it?
• Make a map (like the one at the end of the book?), and trace the path they took. Add symbols to show their journey.