The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it's up to his son to help others along the journey―and also lead his family to freedom.
Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he's got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm―a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill, and the boy has to take over.
A little-known piece of history comes to life in Elizabeth Van Steenwyk's absorbing story, exquisitely illustrated by Anna Rich. Ripe with themes of bravery, community, family, freedom, and hope, this award-winning book is perfect for Black and Civil War-era history units
"An intriguing new angle on an important story." —Kirkus Reviews
"Inspired by tales of the Underground Railroad and its innovative methods of communication, a perilous story of courage and cunning unfolds" —Foreword Reviews
"The design of every spread lends itself well to an oral reading or presentation, which would serve as a stimulus for more in-depth information or discussion on the topics of slavery and the Civil War. . . .a welcome addition to an introduction of the Underground Railroad." —School Library Connection
"A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action." —Publishers Weekly
"A shadowy color palette situates the narrative in the twilight and moonlit hours, perfectly complementing the suspense of the plot. . . . Ending on a hopeful note, the book brings this piece of hidden history to life."—Booklist
Elizabeth van Steenwyk was the award-winning author of more than seventy books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she spent ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children's programming. She died in 2021.
Anna Rich says her art career began in kindergarten. She much preferred coloring and drawing to her other class work. She received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, and has illustrated a number of books. She lives in New York.
The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it's up to his son to help others along the journey―and also lead his family to freedom.
Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he's got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm―a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill, and the boy has to take over.
A little-known piece of history comes to life in Elizabeth Van Steenwyk's absorbing story, exquisitely illustrated by Anna Rich. Ripe with themes of bravery, community, family, freedom, and hope, this award-winning book is perfect for Black and Civil War-era history units
Praise
"An intriguing new angle on an important story." —Kirkus Reviews
"Inspired by tales of the Underground Railroad and its innovative methods of communication, a perilous story of courage and cunning unfolds" —Foreword Reviews
"The design of every spread lends itself well to an oral reading or presentation, which would serve as a stimulus for more in-depth information or discussion on the topics of slavery and the Civil War. . . .a welcome addition to an introduction of the Underground Railroad." —School Library Connection
"A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action." —Publishers Weekly
"A shadowy color palette situates the narrative in the twilight and moonlit hours, perfectly complementing the suspense of the plot. . . . Ending on a hopeful note, the book brings this piece of hidden history to life."—Booklist
Author
Elizabeth van Steenwyk was the award-winning author of more than seventy books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she spent ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children's programming. She died in 2021.
Anna Rich says her art career began in kindergarten. She much preferred coloring and drawing to her other class work. She received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, and has illustrated a number of books. She lives in New York.
