Beacon to Freedom: The Story of a Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Beacon to Freedom introduces young readers to Reverend John Rankin, an unsung hero of the Underground Railroad. This nonfiction chapter book, suitable for ages 4-11, uses an illustrated narrative to explain how Rankin provided safe passage and hope to thousands escaping slavery. It gently handles the difficult topic of slavery by focusing on acts of bravery and kindness, making it an excellent resource for parents and educators to open conversations about American history, justice, and the fight for freedom.

Reverend John Rankin is credited with providing safety through the Underground Railroad to more than 2,000 people as they tried to escape slavery. Not as well-known as Harriet Tubman's story to most readers, Beacon to Freedom recounts in an illlustrated, nonfiction narrative how Rankin guided runaways across the wide Ohio River with a light in his window, giving them hope in a time of great fear and danger.