The Patchwork Path

The Patchwork Path

A Quilt Map to Freedom

About the Book

The images stitched into Hannah's quilt lead to secret signposts on the Underground Railroad as she and her father take flight from slavery on a perilous path to freedom.

Now that Hannah’s papa has decided to make the run for freedom, her patchwork quilt is not just a precious memento of Mama — it’s a series of hidden clues that will guide them along the Underground Railroad to Canada. A fictionalized account of a fascinating oral history, The Patchwork Path tells the story of a two of the thousands who escaped a life of slavery and made the dangerous journey to freedom — a story of courage, determination, and hope.

- A Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights Outstanding Book, Honorable Mention
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Praise for The Patchwork Path

This works well as a story and also as a lesson in African-American history.
—School Library Journal

The exciting escape story makes the history immediate, and the fascinating quilt-code messages will have children revisiting the page that shows each symbol and its secret directions.
—Booklist

The child's candid first-person narrative captures her apprehension as well as her hope and determination. Newcomer Bennett contributes dramatic oil paintings in an earth-toned palette.
—Publishers Weekly

Bennett's strong, beautiful illustrations bring out the tedium and suspense of the long journey north from Georgia, following wagon wheel, flying geese, drunkard's path, and stars to freedom.
—Washington Post Book World

Bettye Stroud's poignant book teaches kids about the importance of the Underground Railroad.
—Parents
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About the Author

Bettye Stroud
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About the Author

Erin Susanne Bennett
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