The Last Safe House

This unique weaving of historical fact and fiction offers readers a wonderful mix of intrigue, drama, and history, as well as related activities to do at home. Greenwood's compelling story introduces readers to the Underground Railroad in an accessible and original way, allowing them to get an up-close-and-personal look at this amazing and troubling period of history. Events are recounted from the point of view of two girls, Eliza Jackson, an escaped slave, and 12-year-old Johanna Reid, who hides Eliza and her brother, Ben, until they can safely meet their mother. Throughout the book, Greenwood has placed maps, drawings, and relevant facts about — among other things — Harriet Tubman, the North Star, and what life on a plantation was like. Sensitive to putting readers in touch with the narrative's historical world, she even provides instructions for making gingerbread cookies and a lantern from a tin can. Vivid and realistic pencil sketches round out this ingenious book. Not only is this an interesting read, it is a comprehensive, all-in-one resource that is satisfying, hearty, and valuable for its look into the past. A superb and intriguing way to introduce readers to history.