BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Amy Fisher's second book in her children's series, The Adventures of Chip and Marty in Mr. Sandman's Class -- Underground Railroad (now available through AuthorHouse), teaches children about slavery and the Underground Railroad that helped men, women and children escape to freedom.
Chip and Marty have once again fallen asleep in Mr. Sandman's U.S. history class. When they wake up, they are slaves working on a cotton plantation 250 years in the past.
"The man grabbed the bag out of Marty's hand and looked down inside. As his head reappeared from the bag, they could see a look of displeasure on the man's face. 'You better start picking a little faster, boy!' the landowner bellowed. 'I'll never get a day's work out of you at the rate you're going.'"
By the end of the day, the boys are exhausted. Early the next morning, they are sent back to the fields to pick more cotton. When the plantation owner arrives to the field, he is accompanied by another man, Mr. Freeman. When the landowner is called away, Mr. Freeman tells the boys how to escape from their dire situation using the Underground Railroad.
"'If a quilt is hanging on the fence that faces the house, you'll know that it is safe to knock on the door. The quilt has to have a red arrow pointing North. If it doesn't, don't knock on the door. It is very important to make sure you see a red arrow pointing North. That is your signal that the people in the house will help you escape to the North.'"
As the boys continue on their journey, they meet Harriet Tubman and begin to understand the significant role the Underground Railroad played in the lives of slaves seeking freedom.
Fisher grew up in Massachusetts and now lives in Arkansas with her husband and two golden retrievers. She is a teacher who enjoys reading and writing in her free time. She plans to continue writing U.S. historical fiction novels for children.
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