Underground
In 1839, visitors from miles around come to Kentucky to tour Mammoth Cave. But sixteen-year-old Charlotte, the maid at Mammoth Cave Hotel, doesn't understand its appeal. As a slave, she is already trapped, and she doesn't see the point in risking being trapped underground as well. Still, she's curious when Stephen Bishop, another slave who is the cave's expert guide and chief explorer, makes some big discoveries underground, and she's interested in Stephen himself, with his quick mind and kind ways. Then Charlotte makes a discovery of her own: runaway slaves sometimes come to the hotel seeking refuge. As she helps them, she wonders if she should run away. Stephen, on the other hand, feels that he belongs with the cave and that he is free enough when he is underground. When an opportunity presents itself, Charlotte must decide whether she should stay with Stephen or risk everything for her own chance at freedom. ? In this compelling novel, two young people explore what sorts of freedom they can find, even as slaves.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0374372438
ISBN13:9780374372439
Release Date:October 2007
Publisher:Farrar Straus Giroux
Length:168 Pages
Weight:0.73 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.8" x 8.4"
Age Range:12 to 17 years
Grade Range:Grades 7 to 12
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Underground is above ground
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This novel is based on real slaves, Charlotte Brown and Stephen Bishop, in 1839. It is narrated in first person by sixteen year old Charlotte. She is sold north to Kentucky where she becomes a maid at Mammoth Cave motel. She falls in love with the other slave tour guide there(innocent romance), and becomes involved with the Underground Railroad. I appreciated that, unlike what I have heard of some of the author's other novels, it did not contain any questionable or sketchy material. I am not the most picky person when it comes to movies or books, but I do prefer it when an author doesn't contanimate a good book with garbage, in which I have to stumble through. The end also has an excellent author's note on her historical accuracy. All in all, I would highly recommend Underground to anyone, especially another teenager interested in the Underground Railroad. It was an excellent blend of dialogue, vivid picture of civil war era slaves' lives and helping others despite your fear (courage and bravery),and romance without going off the deep end.
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