Ann Fights for Freedom: An Underground Railroad Survival Story (Girls Survive)

I purchased this book and read it to my 11 year old and 8 year old boys even though they could have easily read it themselves. I knew they wouldn’t read it on their own, being about a girl, but they both ended up thinking it was a really good book! It allowed us to talk about our country’s history, and the way people were treated and how they should have been been treated. They also really admired those that risked their own lives to help others.

This is a GREAT Book. My son and I took turns reading it to each other. We didn't want to stop reading even when it was late and time for bed. I recommend this book to EVERY child and parent. EVERYONE can learn some real American history that's not taught in schools. THANK YOU so much to the Author, she wrote an AMAZING story that came to life.

This is a great series for independent reading time for kiddos who love history and historical fiction. Our 8 year old is eagerly awaiting some other titles in this series

Growing up in the south before the Civil War as a slave is an unbearable life. But luckily, Ann is at least able to still live with both her mother, father, brother, and baby sisters. That all changes when they discover their master is planning on selling Ann and her little brother. So they decide to flee into the Underground Railroad in order to keep their family together.Ann Fights for Freedom is a heart wrenching, exciting story that delves into an key part of American History. It's a must read for all young readers.

Ann Fights for Freedom is part historical fiction, part adventure story. According to Smith in the back of the book, “When I wrote this story… I wanted to tell a realistic and accurate story, yet still write a book that children could enjoy. I also wanted to show many different kinds of people working together to lead enslaved people to freedom and to fight for equality.”Multicultural books such as this is an important way to help students to gain a better understanding of both their own culture and the cultures of others. It’s also a suspenseful and exciting read.The beautiful full page illustrations throughout the book by Alessia Trunfio are done in tonal black and white. The text is printed on pages to look like parchment paper. This all adds to the historical context of the book.“I hope this story makes you hold your breath and cross your fingers for Ann. I also hope you learn a bit about history. Maybe you will work with others to fight for what you think is right,” Smith said. “Maybe YOU will be an everyday hero too.”

Ann Fights For Freedom an Underground Railroad Survival Story Is one of the most Diverse Unground Railroad books I have ever read! Most of Ann's helper's are African American! Quite refreshing for someone who's done research on the Underground Railroad before. Nikki Shannon Smith wrote the most action packed narrative on the Underground Railroad I've ever read! When Ann and her family need help you don't know who will help them, or if they'll be captured. The detail is exquisite! I've never seen a suspense element done in an Underground Railroad story at all before, it makes it easier to keep engaged. It should be mentioned that aside from safe houses having signals for runaway slaves, the Underground Railroad didn't have structure. One of my personal favorites.

I've read both of the Girls Survive books by Nikki Shannon Smith and loved both titles. This is a great historical series for girls and boys to read, featuring girls who use their wits in perilous situations. Even if they're scared, even if they feel alone, even if they don't always get things right the first time. I would have devoured these when I was a girl, and younger me had great taste in books too!