Freedom Crossing
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Historical FictionLewiston, New York • 1850s
•
Friendship•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Military & War•
World History1980
Scholastic Paperbacks
Middle grade
9-12 years
720L
Super Short Summary
In pre–Civil War New York, 15-year-old Laura Eastman returns home from Virginia to discover her family is involved in the Underground Railroad. While grappling with her Southern sympathies, Laura is drawn into helping a runaway enslaved boy, Martin. Through interactions with her brother Bert and childhood friend Joel, Laura confronts her beliefs about slavery and slowly begins to embrace the abolitionist cause. The book uses outdated terms for enslaved people and contains racially offensive terms used to describe Black people.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Hopeful
Emotional
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
1,130 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark is praised for its engaging storytelling and historical accuracy, offering young readers profound insights into the Underground Railroad. Critics commend its well-developed characters and suspenseful narrative. Some, however, find the pacing uneven and the dialogue occasionally stilted. Overall, it’s recommended for its educational value.
Who Should Read Freedom Crossing?
Readers who would enjoy Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark are typically young adults fascinated by historical fiction, particularly the Underground Railroad. They are likely fans of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, which explore themes of bravery and social justice.
1,130 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Laura’s 13-year-old brother, who has become more assertive and independent in her absence. He's passionate about supporting the Underground Railroad and speaks out even to his older sister.
A 12-year-old boy from North Carolina who arrives at the Eastman home exhausted and hungry. He is polite, adaptable, and surprises Laura with his literacy.
A 17-year-old involved in the Underground Railroad in Lewiston, who shares a past friendship with Laura. He is known for his peace offerings and hopes to influence Laura’s views.
A young, aggressive slave catcher with a mean disposition, who relentlessly pursues Martin and poses a threat to the Eastmans.
The Eastmans’ nearby neighbor, known for being a busybody. She is a staunch supporter of the law and skeptical of the abolitionist movement.
160
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Historical FictionLewiston, New York • 1850s
•
Friendship•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Military & War•
World History1980
Scholastic Paperbacks
Middle grade
9-12 years
720L
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