Independent Reading Level: Grades K-3
Honors/Awards: 1986 Coretta Scott King Book Awards

This book is about a girl whose family is trying to escape through the underground railroad. Her quilt has secret clues that will help them escape.

Now that Hannah’s papa has decided to make the run for freedom, her patchwork quilt is not just a precious memento of Mama — it’s a series of hidden clues that will guide them along the Underground Railroad to Canada. Narrated by 10-year old Hannah, "The Patchwork Path" is a tender and moving story of courage, determination and hope that doubles as a lesson in African-American history. Level K-3. ( )

I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked how it was historical fiction and shows readers of a hard time in history, but I didn't like the plot or the characters. I did like how it was about the issue of slavery and makes readers think about how difficult it was to escape and be free. Hannah would tell of how her feet hurt from the long walk and how it was often cold. But, I think the author had made sure the book wasn't too descriptive of how awful the time really was so that it could appeal to a younger audience. The story line did not have any problems or conflicts as Hannah and her father went from Georgia to Canada as runaway slaves, which seemed to be unrealistic as the journey was extremely far and they could have been caught and killed at any time. It told a little bit of how long it took, but not too much. I also didn't think it was realistic of how their whole journey was lead by quilt squares, as each one stood for something, such as a wagon wheel, a bear paw, and bow ties. The characters were not very believable as they did not accurately show the hardships of the journey they were on. Hannah's father somehow knew exactly how to get to Cleveland by following the geese North, which didn't seem too realistic to me. Also, the characters did not grieve much at all for the mother who had just passed away or for the sister who had been moved to another plantation. Hannah also never complained about not having food on the journey, and it was only briefly mentioned at all. The message of the story is about how some people have to endure a great deal of struggle to live happily and that we should all be thankful for what we have and should treat everyone with respect, no matter what they look like. ( )

A realistic story of fugitive slaves making their way to Canada through the underground railroad. Told from the perspective of the young girl, it's a great story to read to young children studying that time in history. ( )