Books About Underground Railroad

The Best Underground Railroad Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 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 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

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

Minty

By Alan Schroeder, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

A young girl's rebellious spirit fuels her dreams of freedom and escape.

Coretta Scott King Award (1997)Golden Kite Honor (1997)

40 pages· 2,702 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 669 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Meet Minty, a spirited young slave with dreams of freedom. Her rebellious nature often lands her in trouble, but when her father teaches her the skills for escape, she listens intently. As she learns, Minty imagines a life beyond the confines of slavery. Will her dreams lead her to become the legendary Harriet Tubman? Discover the early life of a girl destined to change history, filled with suspense and the promise of freedom.

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 · 350 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 · 636 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 · 1,281 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

$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?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2015

The Underground Abductor

By Nathan Hale · Book #5 in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

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

128 pages· 14,147 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,013 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, escapes slavery and transforms into a fearless leader on the Underground Railroad. Facing relentless danger, she guides countless enslaved people to freedom, risking her life repeatedly. This graphic novel vividly portrays her daring missions, the constant threat of capture, and her unwavering courage. As Tubman navigates a perilous world, will her bravery be enough to outsmart those who seek to stop her? Discover the thrilling true story of an American heroine who defied the odds to change history.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Who HQ, Nancy Harrison (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

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

112 pages· 8,136 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,458 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, escapes to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her journey north to Philadelphia is just the beginning. As she risks everything to lead others to freedom, Tubman becomes a symbol of courage and resilience. How far will she go to fight for justice and change the course of history?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

I am Harriet Tubman

By Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator) · Ordinary People Change the World series

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

40 pages· 2,478 words· Est. 20 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 757 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Discover Harriet Tubman's daring journey from slavery to freedom and her courageous role in the Underground Railroad. This engaging biography reveals how her childhood shaped her into a fearless leader, risking her life to guide others to safety. With vivid illustrations and a timeline of her heroic deeds, young readers will be inspired by her selflessness and determination. What drove Harriet to defy the odds and become a beacon of hope for so many? Dive into her story and find out.

If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2022

If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad

By Ebony Wilkins, Steffi Walthall (Illustrator) · If You Lived... series

Discover the secrets of the Underground Railroad and how it changed lives.

80 pages· 7,336 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 31 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Step into the past with a journey through the Underground Railroad. Explore how it operated, who risked everything to run it, and the lives it transformed. This engaging guide answers pressing questions about this pivotal moment in history, offering young readers a vivid glimpse into the challenges and courage of those who sought freedom. What mysteries lie behind its name, and how did it become a beacon of hope? Uncover the answers and imagine life in a different era, where every choice could mean life or death. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

The Bookroo Book Club