FRIENDS ON FREEDOM RIVER

Young Louis, acting as the man of the family while his father is working north in a logging camp, is faced with a difficult decision when a family of runaway slaves calls out for help. Does he risk all of their lives trying to cross the Detroit River, just as it’s about to freeze over? And really, what choice does he have, when Sarah and her children Tyler and Lucy tell him that the slave-hunters are on their tail and the only thing between them and freedom is the river? When Louis wavers, it’s Tyler’s challenge that forces Louis to make the difficult choice. Whelan creates complex, believable characters who face daunting challenges with bravery and fear, daring and doubt. Van Frankenhuyzen’s dark and dusky palette draws the reader into the cold, dark night of the river-crossing and the hopeful yellow candlelight of Canadian friends allows the sigh of relief. Another fine companion to Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome’s Under the Quilt of Night (2001). (Picture book. 6-10)