History Smashers: The Underground Railroad

History Smashers: The Underground Railroad by Kate Messner and Gwendolyn Hooks tears apart the myths and half-truths surrounding one of the most celebrated stories in American history — revealing that most freedom seekers received help not from white Quakers with quilts and signal lanterns, but primarily from other Black people who risked their own lives and freedom to help. Using a dynamic mix of sidebars, photographs, illustrations, and graphic novel panels, the book delivers the whole, complicated truth about the Underground Railroad.

This is an exceptional choice for students because it models critical historical thinking, centers Black voices and agency in the story of emancipation, and builds a more accurate and complete understanding of one of the most important chapters in American history.

Publishing Details

Author : Kate Messner, Gwendolyn Hooks

Illustrator : Damon Smyth

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Chapter

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 224

Size: 7.5 x 5.1 inches

Year Published: 2022

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 3rd

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Informational

Theme: Black History, Social Issues, Social Studies, About POC