How does Barbara Smucker show the danger, cruelty, and indignity of enslavement? How does she connect these elements to her theme on enslaved characters’ determination and resilience? Refer to examples from the text. 

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.