Freedom Crossing

When Laura first moves back to Lewiston, she feels disconnected from her younger brother, Bert. How do they eventually find connection with each other again? How is their relationship permanently changed (for better or for worse)?

How does the disagreement between Laura, Bert, and Joel reflect the larger conflict that would eventually become the American Civil War?

How does Laura’s perception of the law, and how strictly it should be followed, change over the course of the novel?

In what ways does Martin change Laura’s ideas about enslaved people?

When Laura and Bert’s house is searched, the sheriff and Walt have two different approaches to it. Compare and contrast these two characters and their relationships to the law. In what ways do they weaponize the law? In what ways are they reluctant to obey it?

The Underground Railroad relies on secrecy. Pick one of the secrets that was kept from Bert and/or Laura and explain why, or why not, they were better off not knowing it.

Part of Laura’s character arc is rediscovering her tomboyish nature. Using examples from the text, explain Laura’s relationship to femininity. In what ways does she use it to her advantage? In what ways does she break the stereotypes of the day?

One of Martin’s defining characteristics is that he knows how to read. How does his character develop the theme of education and critical thinking?