Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad: Letters from the Underground Railroad (Dear Levi Series) Paperback – August 8, 2000

I read this book before reading "Dear Levi." Actually, of the two, "Dear Austin" is better. "Dear Levi" is a good portrayal of the westward movement, but it is incredibly depressing. "Dear Austin" has its share of difficulties and sadness, but is much more humorous and hopeful, which creates more of a balance.I disagree with a reader who thought it was boring. My students have always enjoyed it. There are parts that are slower than others, but it is thoughtfully woven together. The end of the book has a part that happens twenty years later, and it always makes me cry.The characters are excellent. Levi is such a realistic boy who is always mischievous, but claims he is being responsible. There's a lot of humor in his way of thinking. Jupiter can't speak, but he becomes a lovable character, just as well.The story is excellent at showing the evils of prejudice and slavery, as well as showing the bravery and love of those who opposed it. I highly recommend this book to children in grades 3-6. Some vocabulary and terminology may be difficult as it comes from another time period. It is an excellent book to read with your child or to read with children in your classroom.

Highly recommended! Great story !

Got these books for my son who is obsessed with history. He enjoyed reading from the point of view of a boy his owns age. These books bring the story of our history to life.

Nice book. 👍👍

My daughter (age 10) came to appreciate this author after reading one of her books with her gifted class. When she's read it in the evenings I found myself entertained also. So, we purchased 2 other books by Elvira Woodruff, including this one, to read together.

My 10 year old daughter loved this book

nice book

This book is amazing and sort of sad at the end but greatI rate this book at 10 stars