The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. "A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action." Publishers Weekly When Pa falls ill, it's up to his son to help others along the journey and also lead his family's escape. Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he's got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill, and the boy has to take over. A little-known piece of history comes to life in Elizabeth Van Steenwyk's absorbing, fictional story, exquisitely illustrated by Anna Rich. Ripe with themes of bravery, community, family, freedom, and hope, the award-winning book is perfect for Black and Civil War-era history units. Awards: Best Children's Books of the Year (Starred) --Bank Street College of Education Parents' Choice Recommended Award --Parents' Choice Foundation Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Grades 4-6) --The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) Kansas National Education Association Also by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk: First Dog Fala

Author Biography

Elizabeth Van Steenwyk is the award-winning author of more than seventy published books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she went on to spend ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children's programming. She lives in California. Anna Rich says her art career began in kindergarten. She much preferred coloring and drawing to her other class work. She received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, and is an active member of the New York Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild.