Synopses & Reviews
"e;I want a never-give-up family,"e; Libby Norstad tells her widowed father, captain of the steamboat Christina. "e;I want a family that believes in me, even when I'm not perfect. A family that sticks together, even though it's hard."e;
"e;We can be that family for each other,"e; Pa promises. "e;And Caleb and the other people who work on the Christina will be our larger family."e;
But Libby has lived with a wealthy aunt since her mother died and discovers a different world. In 1857, when rivers were the highways of the time, Libby, her father, and their friends face life-and-death questions still crucial today: Who can I trust? What does it mean to put my faith in God? To live my belief in the freedoms sought in the Declaration of Independence? And how can I help others, even at great cost?
Soon Libby discovers the secret work of 14-year-old Caleb, a conductor in the Underground Railroad. Next, a fugitive slave named Jordan takes refuge on the Christina. Then another family, Emma and little Henry, pushes toward a choice. Will her journey to compassion help her become a Freedom Seeker?
From the golden age of steamboats, the rush of immigrants to new land, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad come true-to-life stories of courage, integrity, and suspense. In Escape into the Night, the first Freedom Seekers novel, as well as others in the 1857 series, Lois Walfrid Johnson uses strong historical interest to bring alive a critical time in American history.
The Freedom Seekers series is a six-novel middle-reader set in 1857. Feel the rush of immigrants to the new land, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad in these true-to-life Riverboat stories.The characters will receive a heart-warming response from readers of all ages. Adult readers will ask themselves, "e;Would I have been one of those who helped runaway slaves?"e; Lois Walfrid Johnson uses strong historical research, great writing, and wonderful storytelling to bring alive a critical time in American history.
Review
“After I read one of your Freedom Seekers books I often end up asking myself Would I have helped slaves or not? I have come up with an answer. I would help them because all people are equal and have the right to be free in the sight of God.” - Coraline, KY
Synopsis
One choice will change Libby's life forever.
Libby Norstad's life has changed to anything but ordinary. In 1857, when she comes to live on the Christina, her father's steamboat, Libby's curiosity ensnares her in a mystery. What is the closely held secret of Caleb, the cabin boy who seems determined to make her life miserable? And how can Jordan, a fugitive slave, possibly reach safety and freedom?
The night is dark. As three men race to the riverfront, bloodhounds follow their tracks. Through her journey to compassion, will Libby become a freedom seeker?
From the golden age of steamboats, the rush of immigrants to new lands, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad come true-to-life stories of courage, integrity, and suspense in the Freedom Seekers series.
Synopsis
As Libby looks down from a hotel room to her father’s steamboat, a shadow separates from a building off to the right. A second shadow follows, then a third. Can the three men racing toward the Christina possibly reach freedom?
Suddenly the quiet night explodes with barking dogs—bloodhounds!
For Libby the journey begins—her discovery of the world of 1857 when a fugitive slave law means that runaways can be captured and returned, even from free northern states. When those involved in the Underground Railroad can suffer severe penalties. And a world where caring people make the choice to uphold the political and spiritual freedoms they cherish.
Synopsis
One choice will change Libby’s life forever.
Libby Norstad’s life has changed to anything but ordinary. In 1857, when she comes to live on the Christina, her father’s steamboat, Libby’s curiosity ensnares her in a mystery. What is the closely held secret of Caleb, the cabin boy who seems determined to make her life miserable? And how can Jordan, a fugitive slave, possibly reach safety and freedom?
The night is dark. As three men race to the riverfront, bloodhounds follow their tracks. Through her journey to compassion, will Libby become a freedom seeker?
From the golden age of steamboats, the rush of immigrants to new lands, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad, come true-to-life stories of courage, integrity, and suspense in the Freedom Seekers series.
About the Author
LOIS WALFRID JOHNSON is the best-selling author of more than 30 books for children and adults including the best-selling Adventures of the Northwoods and Riverboat Adventures series. Her historically accurate novels and more than 250 shorter pieces have received a variety of awards, including the Gold Medallion Book Award, the C.S. Lewis Award for Best Series, and five Silver Angels from Excellence in Media. A former instructor for Writer's Digest School, Lois speaks and teaches writing at public and Christian schools, home educator groups, university classes, and writers' conferences. Lois loves talking with kids and writing edge-of-your-seat adventures. She and Roy, her husband, are the parents of three married children and make their home in Minnesota.