Underground Man

In this classic novel, Josh, a teenage logger on the Ohio River, discovers his life's true mission as an abolitionist after his first encounter with a runaway slave.

Josh first attempts to spread the abolitionist message by lecturing in remote towns about the evils of slavery—but his views often ignite strong disapproval. Frustrated, he makes a more daring choice and becomes an agent of the Underground Railroad. After dozens of successful rescues, Josh is captured by Kentucky slave owners and convicted of "enticing slaves to leave their owners."

Locked away, he struggles to hold on to his ideals and sense of self. But when freedom comes sooner than he expected, Josh must decide if he will again take the kind of risks that landed him in prison.

A courageous young white man aids slaves escaping from Kentucky in pre-Civil War days.

An exciting novel of the Underground Railroad

Milton Meltzer has written 110 books, five of which were nominated for the National Book Award. With Langston Hughes, he coauthored A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS, now in its sixth edition. He received the 2001 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to children's literature, the 1986 Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Award, and the 2000 Regina Medal. He lives in New York City.