Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky was written by Faith Ringgold in 1992. Faith Ringgold is an African American artist and author who is best known for her famous quilts.  These quilts become prevalent within her story as at the end there is a quilt hanging from the sky symbolizing the 100th anniversary of Harriet Tubman's first flight to freedom. This story is filled with historical information regarding Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad and would serve as a great way to integrate ELA and social studies within the classroom.  This story is unique as it is told from an African American's point of view as they were directly affected by slavery and escaped using the underground railroad.  At the close of the story, there are two pages full of information regarding Harriet Tubman.  It goes on to tell the historical story of the underground railraod and even includes a map with arrows showing the way the railroad worked and where people traveled.  The author's voice is very prevalent throughout the story however the story tells the tale of two girls who escape in the clouds to experience the underground railroad for themselves.