Sailing to Freedom

Gr 4–8—In 1839, Raymond Justin Ingle, Jr., is born in Newburyport, MA. His father is a ship owner, and as Ray begins his story at the age of 12, readers discover that he wishes to be a part of the shipping industry that he knows about but has yet to experience firsthand. He wants to go to sea with his father, but is told that he must wait until he is older. His father gives him a capuchin monkey, Allie, as a pet to care for, and Ray is left alone again with his mother. When she has to leave town, the boy stays with his uncle who is not fond of children or monkeys. Looking for a way out, Ray asks another uncle if he can go to sea with him. To his excitement, Thad says yes and Ray and Allie are soon helping out in the galley of the Newburyport Beauty. Although new to shipboard life, the boy adapts quickly, helping Cook provide meals for the crew. In alternating chapters, the author tells the story of a mother and son escaping slave owners, following the Underground Railroad to Canada and to freedom. Ray becomes involved in their plight when he discovers what Cook has hidden in the pantry and must work hard to keep the secret. Although this book can be enjoyed for the adventure alone, readers with prior knowledge of the time period, slavery, and the Fugitive Slave Law will more fully appreciate the characters' dilemma and the risks involved in their situation.—Denise Moore, O' Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD