Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did the Crafts’ unique escape plan, involving Ellen’s disguise as a white man and William as her enslaved servant, shape your understanding of their courage and resourcefulness? Did this strategy make their journey more impactful for you as a reader?

2. The book details the Crafts’ transformation from refugees from slavery to abolitionist icons. How did their story challenge or deepen your perception of the broader struggles for freedom and equality during this period?

3. Woo’s narrative integrates historical context and personal stories to illustrate the Crafts’ journey. Did this blend of historical detail and emotional depth enhance your engagement with their story, or did you find it overwhelming?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 

1. William and Ellen Craft’s journey required immense courage and ingenuity. Have you ever encountered a situation where you needed to be resourceful or take a significant risk to achieve a personal goal? How did you navigate it?

2. Ellen Craft’s decision to disguise herself as a white man required her to assume an entirely new identity.