About This Book
"Willow" is a powerful historical fiction novel set in 1848, following 15-year-old Willow, an educated enslaved girl, as she confronts the agonizing decision to escape to freedom. Guided by 17-year-old Cato, a free Black man dedicated to the Underground Railroad, Willow embarks on a perilous journey along the Mason-Dixon Line. This book explores profound themes of freedom, family, love, and the immense bravery required to defy an unjust system. It's suitable for young adults aged 12-18, offering a compelling narrative that sparks discussions about American history, human rights, and the enduring spirit of resilience. Parents should be prepared for intense situations involving peril and discrimination, but the story ultimately emphasizes hope and empowerment.
In 1848 Willow, a fifteen-year-old educated slave girl, faces an inconceivable choice -- between bondage and freedom, family and love -- as free born, seventeen-year-old Cato, a black man, takes it upon himself to sneak as many fugitive slaves to freedom as he can on the Mason-Dixon Line.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What does freedom mean to Willow at the beginning of the story, and how does her understanding change throughout her journey?
2
Discuss the difficult choices Willow and Cato have to make. Are there ever 'right' or 'wrong' answers in such situations, or only the best possible ones?
3
How does the book show the importance of resilience and bravery in the face of extreme adversity?
4
What role does community and trust play in the success of the Underground Railroad, as depicted in the story?
5
How does this story help us understand the historical period of slavery and the fight for abolition from a personal perspective?
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