Books, activities, and online resources about the Underground Railroad can be found on this page. This is meant to be a quick one or two lessons of reading and activities. If you are not able to find these exact books, try this:
- check YouTube for readings. Many of them are on there for virtual story time!
- Search your library for “Underground Railroad” in the children’s section. There are many factual books that will be just as good (or better) than this list. There is nothing about this list that makes it perfect; they are simply the books we liked and/or had available!
What was the Underground Railroad? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
While we did get most of our factual information about the Underground Railroad from the YouTube videos linked below, this book was a very simple kid-friendly explanation. We always enjoy the What was? or Who was? series.
The Underground Railroad for kids By Mary Kay Carson
We happened to pick this gem up at the library. It was a little more in-depth than we needed at our stages, bu tI thought the book was well done and included 21 activities. It would be great for a more in-depth study for 4th-8th grade.
Sweet Clara and at the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson
Read about Clara as she learns about the Underground Railroad and uses her quilting scraps to create a map to freedom.
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
This is a heartbreaking and memorable account of a slave’s life and his unique way to freedom.
Follow the Drinking Guard by Bernadine Connelly
Based on an American Folksong, this story follows a family through their daring escape and journey.
Unspoken by Henry Cole
There are no words in this book, which is fitting because sometimes with the subject of slavery- there just aren’t words for it. The pictures grab the attention of the children. “Look! someone’s hiding!” is what I heard as they caught glimpse of an eye in the photo. It is a beautiful story of courage and compassion.
For parents or Highschool students:
The Underground Railroad by Coleson Whitehead
This book is described as “riveting, brutal, and thought-provoking” as it follows a runaway slave through his journey. Definitely not a family read-aloud, but high school age kids and parents can join in this lesson with a book on their level.
Free Harriet Tubman Unit
Here is a great free unit study!
Game
Check out this game! Now, I was hesitant to add or play a game related to such a serious subject, but truly kids learn through play. I found this game online and it captured the frustrations of waiting for a conductor to come to you to start the journey, had setbacks, required waiting for a station to change your clothes, and more. It is a simple game, easy to play, but might be frustrating for some kids. I was still on the start position (after many setbacks and not getting the conductor card for an eternity) when my son completed his journey….but I think that is what makes it memorable and true to the nature of the Underground Railroad. So many slaves never even heard of the Underground Railroad or were fortunate enough for an agent to visit them with instructions. It is very well done, printable, and we used our own pawns from other games as our players. She does mention that you can print extra cards from pages 5 and 6 for more chances to get off of start (there would have been tears in my house had my child been stuck on start the entire time-thank goodness it was me stuck!).
Google Earth
Check out Underground Railroad Sites!
Video Overview of the Underground Railroad:
Get to know one of the most famous and courageous conductors: Harriett Tubman
Whether you just spend a few hours getting it done or spread the stories throughout the month, I hope this helps bring a sprinkle of history into your homeschool and takes away the burden of planning!