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RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Josiah Henson
1003
The Life of
Josiah Henson: Formerly a Slave Josiah Henson
Josiah Henson's autobiography (1796-1883) was first printed in 1849. Born into slavery
about 1796 in Charles County, Maryland, he escaped to Upper Canada in 1830 through the
Underground Railroad. In 1841, Henson established the British
American Institute for refugee slaves. Harriet Beecher Stowe
acknowledged his memoirs as a source for her novel, Uncle Tom’s
Cabin.
1111
Uncle Tom's
Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) directed her anti-slavery sentiments into a novel
depicting the evils of slavery. Uncle Tom's Cabin was originally published serially during
1851-1852. Stowe drew upon a variety of source in the creation of her book, one of them
being Josiah Henson's autobiography. In its first year of print, the text sold more than
300,000 copies; it was subsequently translated into many different languages.
Non-Fiction
for Young Adults
1048
Get On Board: The
Story of the Underground Railroad Jim Haskins
A history of the Underground Railroad for young adults. Haskin's text offers a detailed
look at the passage to freedom by examining key figures in the movement, first-hand
accounts, and stories of ingenious methods of escape. This is a key text in promoting
awareness of the significance of the Underground Railroad.
Adult
Non-Fiction
1117
Against All Odds Stephen L. Hubbard
The biography of William Hubbard, a prominent Toronto politician in the late nineteenth to
early twentieth centuries. Hubbard's story of rising from baker to the political office of
acting Mayor of Toronto is one of determination and strength, particularly when one
considers that he did so at a time of prevalent racial discrimination.
1225 The Hanging of
Angelique by Afua Cooper
This novel tells the story of a rebellious Portuguese-born Black
woman who refused to accept her bondage. In a dramatic retelling of
Angélique’s story, Cooper sheds new light on what might have
compelled a young woman to commit such a crime. At the same time,
Cooper demolishes the myth of Canada as a haven at the end of the
Underground Railroad.
1500 Underground
Railroad Booklet: Official Handbook
A treasure trove of historic photographs and illustrations, this
booklet depicts the many ways that blacks took to escape slavery in
the southern United States before the Civil War. These accompany a
number of essays which further explore the mysteries of the
Underground Railroad.
1100 The
Underground Railroad: Official Map and Guide
A complementary piece to the Underground Railroad Booklet,
this map and guide provides a general overview of the activities and
key figures in the Underground Railroad through a variety of images,
maps, and timelines.
100 A Visitor’s
Guide to Ontario’s Underground Railroad
Ontario’s Underground Railroad communities have been arranged
geographically from Windsor and Niagara in the south, to Owen Sound
and Grey County in the north to reflect the travel and settlement
patterns of the black refugees in Upper Canada circa 1800. Use this
guide to plan your personal exploration of Ontario’s history.
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