Underground to Canada is about twelve year old Julilly and her courageous escape to freedom. A historical fiction piece written specifically for young readers, this story takes place before the Civil War, and not only depicts the trials and tribulations that enslaved people endured, but the heroic efforts of those who helped them along their road to freedom.
Have students create a Beginning, Middle, End summary of Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker
Storyboard Text
BEGINNING
MIDDLE
END
Julilly is enslaved on the Hensen Plantation in Virginia with her mother; they have lived there since Julilly was born and are treated better than most other slaves, as far as they know. When a nasty slave trader arrives, Julilly is separated from her mother and sold to the Rileys in Mississippi.
After a miserable journey, Julilly and the others, including new friend Liza, arrive at the Riley Plantation. The place is terrible, but Julilly has new hope when Mister Ross, who is disguised as a bird scientist, plans to help some slaves escape. Julilly, Liza, Adam, and Lester begin their journey on the Underground Railroad.
After a long journey, being separated from Lester and Adam, several close calls, and many scary moments, Julilly and Liza arrive in Canada. Julilly is reunited with Lester and her momma, who agrees to take care of Liza.