Many books about slavery mention the Underground Railroad as an aid to helping slaves reach the northern states which had abolished slavery. Unbound is interesting since it focuses on people who escaped slavery but who did not make it to the north. In doing research for her novel, Ann Burg referenced Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936-1938, which contains over 2,000 first-person accounts from former slaves.
This story is told by 9-year-old Grace who lives in the slave quarters of a tobacco plantation with her mother and 2 brothers. Because of her light skin, she is sent to the Big House to become a house slave. Once there her outspokenness angers the Missus who decides to sell her mother and brothers to teach her a lesson. In an effort to save her family, she must warn them to take their chances and run away. Readers will learn about the Underground Railroad, the Great Dismal Swamp, paddy rollers (slave patrollers), and the many ways slaves helped runaways escape.
Another great audiobook set in Virginia:
* Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. History Focus: The wild horses on Assateague Island and the yearly Pony Penning Day.
