Eliza's Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary
Jerdine Nolen
📚 Genre
Children's Historical Fiction - Diary Fiction
🏢 Publisher
HarperCollins
📅 Publication Year
2011
🔢 ISBN
978-0060596706
About This Book
Set in 1859, this historical fiction novel is written in the diary format of a young enslaved girl named Eliza. When her family faces the threat of being torn apart by a forced sale, they make the courageous decision to escape via the Underground Railroad. The cover features an illustration of a young Black girl holding a bound journal and a patchwork bundle, set against an aged parchment-style background with ornate Victorian border flourishes.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
176
Edition
Hardcover
Series
Standalone novel
Target Audience
Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good. The cover shows slight edge wear and minor rounding at the corners, but the surface and illustration are clean and well-preserved.
Estimated Value
$5-$15
Rarity
Common. Widely printed and easily accessible through libraries, secondhand book dealers, and online retailers.
Historical Significance
Contributes to children's historical literature by offering an accessible, empathetic window into the realities of slavery and the operations of the Underground Railroad from a youth perspective.
Collector Notes
Maintains steady value as a staple in middle-grade historical fiction curricula. Ensure proper storage away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the parchment-toned dust jacket or cover art.
Similar Books
Ellie's Secret Diary by Shirin Bridges, Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop, The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis, Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Notable Features
Written in diary format with historical fiction elements, featuring period-appropriate thematic illustrations and design motifs.