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It is the year 1838, and young James is tired of being a slave on Master Graham’s farm. He makes plans to escape north to Canada, but realizes he must leave his faithful dog, Zeus, behind. “You’re always hungry and you’re noisy,” James explains. Then, on the eve of the great escape, he scratches the old mutt behind the ear and instructs him not to follow. But the rambunctious dog doesn’t obey. Romping through the woods making “more racket than a sack of pots and pans,” Zeus’ hi-jinks worry the frightened boy. Afraid the dog will give him away; James makes a desperate attempt to get rid of his canine companion once and for all. As Zeus proves his worth, James grudgingly concedes and the dog tags along. At the banks of the Ohio River, the lad is forced to make another difficult decision. Is it finally time to say goodbye, or does Zeus have other plans?
Based on the true story of runaway slave James Smith, Night Running is a realistic glimpse at the frantic dash for freedom runaways endured. Add in the life-like images portrayed by E. B. Lewis and the element of man’s best friend, and you’ve got an enjoyable as well as an educational read.
As fond as I was of the story, I couldn’t help but wonder about James’ family. There is no mention of them in the account or the Author’s Note. It leaves me to contemplate what else James might have left behind on Graham’s Farm. That said, Elisa Carbone’s tale does have a happy ending. Unlike many other slaves, James starts a new life with a cherished love one by his side; man’s best friend.
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Niki Schoenfeldt/2008 for curled
up with a good kid's book |
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visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)
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Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Earl B. Lewis