The terrible truth of slavery has been well-documented since its end following the Civil War. With the everyday reality of whippings, backbreaking labor, and constant prejudice, it’s no wonder many slaves tried to escape. Fortunately, a network of people and safe houses arose in the late 1770s to help these slaves reach freedom. Readers will learn about the beginning of the Underground Railroad and the many routes slaves traveled. The main content supports readers’ classroom learning with surprising fact boxes and historical images to draw them into the dangerous, terrifying journey many slaves took.