Books About The Underground Railroad · 54 titles considered

The Best The Underground Railroad Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the underground railroad? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Underground Railroad

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Harriet Tubman

By Nadia L. Hohn, Gustavo Mazali (Illustrator) · I Can Read History series

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

32 pages· 674 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman risked everything for freedom, leading daring escapes on the Underground Railroad. As the Civil War raged, she recruited soldiers, served as a spy, and even led a battle. This early reader biography unveils her incredible life, filled with courage and determination. Young readers will explore her milestones through engaging stories and historical illustrations, learning about the woman who defied the odds to change history. What secrets did she uncover, and how did she inspire others to fight for freedom? Dive into the life of this extraordinary freedom fighter.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Before She Was Harriet

By Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

Discover the many lives of Harriet Tubman, from slave to spy to liberator.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2018)

32 pages· 427 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,445 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey through the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman, known by many names. From her beginnings as Minty, a resilient slave, to her daring missions as General Tubman, a Union spy, and Moses, leading countless to freedom. This lyrical biography, enriched with vivid illustrations, unveils the courage and compassion of a woman who defied the odds. What paths did she tread, and how did she become a beacon of hope? Explore the stars that guided her and the legacy she left behind.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1988

Follow the Drinking Gourd

By Jeanette Winter

A peg-leg sailor's song guides slaves to freedom under the stars.

48 pages· 913 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,157 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a time of peril, a peg-leg sailor named Peg Leg Joe becomes a beacon of hope for slaves seeking freedom. Teaching them a secret song about the drinking gourd, he provides a map to liberation. As a couple, their son, and two others embark on this dangerous journey, they must trust the stars and their courage. Will they find the freedom they seek, or will the path lead them into greater danger? This tale of bravery and hope is vividly brought to life with rich, bold illustrations, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment in history.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

The Underground Railroad

By Allison Lassieur · You Choose: History series

Choose your path: escape, pursue, or aid in the quest for freedom.

112 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: In the 1850s, you face a life-altering choice: flee the chains of slavery, hunt those seeking freedom for profit, or risk everything to aid the Underground Railroad. Each path holds peril and promise. Will you seek liberty, fortune, or justice? Navigate a world where every decision shapes destinies and the stakes are life and death. As you step into this turbulent era, your choices will determine the course of history. Which side will you choose, and what will you sacrifice for your beliefs?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

The Story of Harriet Tubman

By Christine Platt · The Story of series

A young girl defies slavery, becoming a key figure in the fight for freedom.

68 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 141 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Harriet Tubman, once a determined young girl, defied the chains of slavery to become a pivotal leader in the quest for freedom. Using the Underground Railroad, she risked everything to liberate herself and countless others. Journey through her transformation from a Maryland plantation to a symbol of courage and resilience. How will her fearless spirit inspire you? This engaging biography for kids offers a glimpse into her life, complete with a timeline, glossary, and quiz to deepen understanding. Discover the legacy of a woman who changed history and inspired generations.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Underground Railroad

By Kate Messner, Gwendolyn Hooks, Damon Smyth (Illustrator) · History Smashers series

Uncover the untold truths of the Underground Railroad and the real struggle for freedom.

224 pages· 19,060 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 346 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the hidden truths of the Underground Railroad, where myths unravel and reality reveals a disorganized path to freedom. Discover how most freedom seekers navigated perilous journeys alone, challenging the romanticized tales of quilts and lanterns. Through engaging illustrations and insightful sidebars, this book invites readers to question what they thought they knew about history. Will you uncover the real stories behind the legends?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Harriet Tubman

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Pili Aguado (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Escape slavery, return for others. Will she succeed?

32 pages· 724 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 637 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman defies the odds, escaping to freedom and risking her life to lead others to safety on the Underground Railroad. Her courage and determination inspire generations. Can she continue her mission without losing a single passenger? Discover her incredible journey in this beautifully illustrated tale that brings history to life for young readers.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

What Was the Underground Railroad?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Who HQ, Lauren Mortimer (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

Escape to freedom through a perilous journey on the Underground Railroad.

112 pages· 8,698 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,275 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Journey into the heart of the Underground Railroad, where brave conductors guide escaping slaves through treacherous paths to freedom. Experience the tension of close calls with bounty hunters and the relentless pursuit of liberty. This gripping narrative, enriched with real stories and vivid illustrations, reveals the sacrifices made for a chance at a new life. Will they reach safety, or will the dangers of the road claim them? Discover the courage and resilience of those who dared to defy the chains of oppression.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

Long Road to Freedom

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Ranger in Time series

A young girl and her brother escape from slavery in Maryland and travel to Canada with the help of a magical dog.

160 pages· 15,192 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 862 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, lands on a Maryland plantation during the era of American slavery. He meets Sarah, a brave young girl determined to save her brother, Jesse, from being sold to the Deep South. With the threat of separation looming, Sarah decides to flee north, embarking on a perilous journey to freedom. Can Ranger help them navigate the treacherous path of the Underground Railroad? Discover the courage and hope that drive their daring escape.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Harriet Tubman

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

Harriet Tubman defies slavery, leading others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

80 pages· 5,122 words· Est. 57 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 349 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, becomes a legendary conductor on the Underground Railroad. Guided by the North Star and fueled by her family's love, she risks everything to lead others to freedom. Discover her courageous journey and the indomitable spirit that helped her persist against all odds. How did she navigate such perilous paths, and who did she inspire along the way? This engaging biography invites young readers to explore Tubman's life and legacy, offering a glimpse into the heart of a true hero. Will her story inspire you to make a difference?

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The Underground Railroad Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the underground railroad for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$799

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

Ages 3–7 · 1993

A seamstress crafts a secret map to freedom using scraps of cloth.

Sale price

$1899

Henry's Freedom Box

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A slave risks all to mail himself to freedom.

Sale price

$1999

Moses

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A woman escapes slavery, guided by faith, on a perilous journey to freedom.

Sale price

$1099

Night Boat to Freedom

Ages 6–9 · 2006

A boy's courage is tested as he rows to freedom across a perilous river.

Sale price

$1899

William Still and His Freedom Stories

Ages 6–10 · 2020

A man records stories of freedom seekers, reuniting families and uncovering his own past.

Series

Sale price

$1599

I am Harriet Tubman

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A young enslaved girl escapes to freedom and becomes a leader in the fight against slavery

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Sale price

$799

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Ages 3–7 · 1992

A girl flies with Harriet Tubman to uncover the secrets of the Underground Railroad.

Series

Sale price

$799

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

Ages 4–8 · 1992

Discover the fearless journey of a woman who led hundreds to freedom.

Sale price

$1999

Unspoken

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A farm girl must choose between fear and compassion when she discovers a runaway slave hiding in her barn.

Sale price

$799

The Patchwork Path

Ages 5–8 · 2007

A quilt's hidden clues guide a daring escape to freedom.

Series

Sale price

$599

Frederick Douglass

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Explore the life of a legendary abolitionist and his fight for freedom.

Series

Sale price

$2570

Harriet Tubman

Ages 7–9 · 2007

A daring woman risks all to lead slaves to freedom and change history forever.

View all the underground railroad picture books

Browse by age

The Underground Railroad Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the underground railroad for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

Under the Quilt of Night

Ages 6–9 · 2002

A young girl follows a quilt's secret message to freedom.

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

The Underground Abductor

Ages 8–14 · 2015

Escape slavery, risk everything, and lead others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Sale price

$2399

January's Sparrow

Ages 6–12 · 2009

A family flees slavery, but a mysterious package threatens their newfound freedom.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Bell's Star

Ages 8–11 · 2009

A young horse named Star helps a runaway slave girl named Eliza escape to Canada

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A biography of Harriet Tubman, from her childhood as an enslaved person to her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her role in the Civil War