Hurry, Freedom

Reviewed by Jaglvr for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

Emily Bing and Matt Martinez find an old Canadian Flyer sled in the tower of Emily's house. There is a note from Emily's Great Aunt instructing them to fly to great adventures. Pulling out the sled, there is an inscription on the front on how to operate the sled. In an old dresser is an array of unique objects. Each one will lead to its own adventure.

HURRY, FREEDOM gives the children a first-hand account of the Underground Railroad. Matt wants to take a train ride, and when they find a feather in the dresser with a note attached saying Underground Railroad, of course children will assume it's a train ride. So after reading the magic inscription on the sled, they're off.

Emily and Matt find themselves in upstate New York in 1958, in a doorless basement room. Matt figures out the secret exit, and soon, they are outside the building meeting Dr. Ross and his hidden group of runaway slaves.

Emily and Matt spend a fearful night trying to get the slaves Sarah, Lucy, Elijah, and Sam across the border into Canada. Slave catchers and barking dogs are on their tail and hinder their attempt to cross a bridge into Canada. Alternative plans have to be followed, which are more dangerous than crossing the bridge.

HURRY, FREEDOM is the 7th book in the CANADIAN FLYERS ADVENTURES series by Frieda Wishinsky. HURRY, FREEDOM was highly educational for young readers. The book is appropriate for anyone that is able to read easy chapter books. For fans of the MAGIC TREEHOUSE series, this one is just as entertaining. An added twist is that the two main characters are from Canada. HURRY, FREEDOM was a fast-paced story that draws the reader into the fear and tension that existed during the era of slaves and their quest for freedom. ( )