Underground To Canada

What do Julilly and the other enslaved characters think about Canada, and where do they get their information? Why is this important?

Alexander Ross, the character who helps Liza and Julilly escape from the Riley plantation, is based on a real historical figure. Research and explain how Mr. Ross, a bird watcher and ornithologist, was so successful in helping enslaved people escape from plantations in the South.

Describe how their journey on the Underground Railroad affected Liza and Julilly mentally and emotionally. Consider the negatives and positives of their experiences.

Choose one main character to analyze. Consider their primary character traits, strengths, flaws, and important relationships, and identify how they are changed by their experiences. Use evidence from the story to support your analysis.

Friendship is an important theme in Underground to Canada. How do Liza and Julilly help and encourage each other before and during their journey?

Name and explain one of the author’s symbols from the story. What does it represent, and why is this symbolism significant?

What kind of risks did the “conductors” on the Underground Railroad face in doing their work? What are possible reasons they persisted despite the personal risks?

Choose your favorite part of the book and explain how the author used dialogue, description, and/or literary devices to create an engaging scene.