School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-As he departs for a trip up North to work in the logging camps, Louis's father imparts this advice to his son: "If you don't know what to do, just do what you think I would have done." The boy must rely on these words as he helps his mother prepare for the coming winter along the Detroit River. The year is 1850, and on a cold December night, Louis hears a familiar whispered question of code coming from the bushes, "Are you a friend?" He replies as his father had taught him to, and a family of runaway slaves asks him to ferry them across the icy waters to freedom in Canada. The text reflects the apprehension and danger of this task for all involved. Meticulous detail is given to facial expressions that reflect character and emotion, to the physical environment, and to the body language of each figure. The compelling text and the beautiful, atmospheric paintings come together well to reflect these historical events with great compassion. Listeners or readers will be thoroughly engaged.-Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Two boys, one white, the other a young African-American slave, team up to guide the slave's family across the treacherous Detroit River. The book is marred by gaps in the story and overly purposeful dialogue (""We got to hurry across this river to Canada where a slave is free forever""). Dramatic full-page illustrations capture the tension of the dangerous mission. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Young Louis, acting as the man of the family while his father is working north in a logging camp, is faced with a difficult decision when a family of runaway slaves calls out for help. Does he risk all of their lives trying to cross the Detroit River, just as it's about to freeze over? And really, what choice does he have, when Sarah and her children Tyler and Lucy tell him that the slave-hunters are on their tail and the only thing between them and freedom is the river? When Louis wavers, it's Tyler's challenge that forces Louis to make the difficult choice. Whelan creates complex, believable characters who face daunting challenges with bravery and fear, daring and doubt. Van Frankenhuyzen's dark and dusky palette draws the reader into the cold, dark night of the river-crossing and the hopeful yellow candlelight of Canadian friends allows the sigh of relief. Another fine companion to Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome's Under the Quilt of Night (2001). (Picture book. 6-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.