Ms Twist is having a hard time getting one of her students to care much about the history of the Underground Railroad. But Principal Lockhart has a special playscript that contains a spell - a spell that magically takes Twist and her student back in time to 1859 Missouri - a slave state!

They're quickly taken under the wing of a slave family who give them "slave clothes" so that they can fit in, and taught the meanings of the songs, markings, and patchwork quilts that served as communication for those on the Underground Railroad.

This information proves vital to the pair when it comes to light that the plantation's master has decided to sell them at auction! The two must find the way north, using the quilt code and songs to find their way. They are helped and inspired by various historical figures, including John Jones, a prosperous free black tailor, and one of Chicago's station masters on the underground railroad.

Written by Chicago educator and perfomer Raina Long, this is an exciting story for students grades 3 through 8, and available year-round.