Happy Tuesday, folks! Welcome to another book recommendation in our Page Turner Tuesday series. To celebrate Black History Month, we will review two books: the young adult adaptation of Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor and the picture book Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome. These are powerful stories of the realities of traveling for Black Americans during the Jim Crow era.
Originally a nonfiction work for adults, Overground Railroad highlighted the lesser-known history of the Black migration to the North, using the story of the Green Book and its role in guiding African American travelers to safe spaces during the Jim Crow era. Taylor’s deep exploration of these “safe spaces” and their history is a fascinating journey into resilience, hope, and community. Now, with the young adult adaptation, these powerful themes are brought to life for a new generation of readers.
The adaptation focuses on the stories of the people who made the journey north, blending personal accounts with larger historical narratives. It is both a history lesson and an emotional journey, shedding light on the courage of those who fought for freedom and equality in the face of segregation and oppression.
Key figures from the era are introduced in Overground Railroad, including those who created the Green Book. The book also offers a fresh perspective on how these individuals shaped American history. What’s truly remarkable about Taylor’s writing in this adaptation is how she weaves historical context with personal stories of struggle and triumph. It’s not just a tale of migration—it’s a story of identity, survival, and determination.
Similar to the young adult adaptation, but not a direct adaptation of Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor, is a powerful picture book of the same name, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome. This book takes readers on a journey through the Great Migration, a significant movement during which millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North in search of better opportunities and freedom from the harsh realities of segregation and racism. Through lyrical text and stunning illustrations, the book gives children an accessible way to understand this key moment in American history.
The story follows a young girl and her family as they board a train bound for the North. The train, which becomes a literal and symbolic vehicle of hope, is often referred to as the “Overground Railroad”—a nod to the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. But here, it’s the railroad tracks leading toward new beginnings, brighter futures, and a life free from the rigid social constraints of the Jim Crow South.
Lesa Cline-Ransome’s prose is gentle yet poignant, allowing children to grasp the emotional weight of the decision to leave home in search of something better. James E. Ransome’s illustrations elevate the story even further. His use of soft colors and expressive characters captures the beauty and hardship of the era, with each page serving as a visual testament to the strength and perseverance of families during the Great Migration.
Whether you’re introducing children and teens to the Great Migration for the first time or looking for a new book that teaches both history and empathy, both Overground Railroad by Lisa Cline-Ransome and the young adult adaptation of Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor are sure to make a lasting impression.
