REVIEWS

Kirkus Reviews
12/15/2004
"Each [quilt] pattern has its own shape and meaning . . . and each shape points the way and gives inspiration to Hannah and her father when the time comes for them to flee."
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Multicultural Review
10/01/2005
"Moving and inspirational."
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Book Page
02/01/2005
circ=800,000
"The story follows a young slave girl named Hannah, who recalls the special quilt her mama once made for her, which includes secret meanings imbedded in the quilt patterns."
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Booklist
02/01/2005
"A child tells of escaping to Canada on the Underground Railroad, accompanied by her father, and of following secret signs sewn into quilt patterns. The exciting escape story makes the history immediate, and the fascinating quilt-code messages will have children revisiting the page that shows each symbol and its secret directions. Bennett's bright oil paintings make dramatic use of collage to show the quilt code and the brave fugitives. Helped by Quakers and other rescuers, Hannah and Papa make it to the border, but the sadness of her sister still in slavery and her Mama's death is with them as they cross. A fascinating afterword reveals how much of the story was based on history."
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Parents Magazine
02/01/2005
"Bettye Stroud's poignant book teaches kids about the importance of the Underground Railroad."
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Washington Post Book World
02/06/2005
"Bennett's strong, beautiful illustrations bring out the tedium and suspense of the long journey north from Georgia, following wagon wheel, flying geese, drunkard's path, and stars to freedom."
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Publishers Weekly
01/03/2005
"The child's candid first-person narrative captures her apprehension as well as her hope and determination. Newcomer Bennett contributes dramatic oil paintings in an earth-toned palette."
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School Library Journal
01/01/2005
"An exciting story about a girl and her father who escape slavery with help from the coded symbols on a quilt. Shortly after Hannah's sister is sold to another plantation, Mama dies, but not before teaching Hannah how to sew, whispering, "…this quilt will show you everything you need to know to run to freedom." Their journey leads them along the Underground Railroad, from their Georgia plantation to a hiding place beneath a church, through pirate tunnels, and eventually to the home of a Quaker family. Finally, they cross Lake Erie into Canada, and the narrative ends on a hopeful note as Hannah makes a new quilt with an empty square for her sister, praying that someday they'll be together again, and free. The first-person narrative flows smoothly and lends immediacy to the dramatic events. The vivid oil paintings are skillfully done, with the characters' expressive faces reflecting their fear and courage, and angular lines echoing the quilt squares. An afterword gives some historical background. Overall, this works well as a story and also as a lesson in African-American history."
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Book Links
04/24/2008
Included in "Celebrating Freedom!" Book Links, 1/1/07
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Newton's Book News
05/19/2008
"[A] great story of courage and hope." 2/21/08
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