Even though this book involved fictional characters, the events that are described in the book are based on real events. The author was able to get the information about the events across to the readers in a fun way. The author made sure the book did not only contain facts. Therefore, the book was made into a diary. Many authors do not think to do this, and I thought it was a very creative idea! The central message in the book is slavery.

Summary: Through many different diary entries that Corey wrote, we are told about his experience of escaping slavery in the south. He is able to describe the events of how his family and him left the south traveled to Canada, hoping to start a new life without slavery. However, hard times hit again as slave catchers caught them as they were traveling to Canada. Corey describes all of the hardships his family is put through with slavery. ( )

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not. ( )