Escape Into the Night

The Freedom Seekers series is a six-novel middle-reader set in 1857 during the golden age of steamboats. Feel the rush of immigrants to the new land, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad in these true-to-life Riverboat stories. With courage, integrity, and suspense the characters will receive a heart-warming response from readers of all ages. Adults who value their African-American heritage will appreciate Jordan, a runaway slave who allowed to be educated, but lives his Christian faith with courage, valor, and a concern for his family. Encouraging a kind of compassion by our children, readers will ask themselves, "If I had lived in that time would I have been one of those who helped runaway slaves?" Lois Walfrid Johnson uses strong historical research, the fine skill of great writing, and wonderful storytelling to bring alive a critical time in American history. Late at night, as the Christina puts out into the Mississippi River, Caleb and Libby keep watch on deck. Close by, the runaway slave, Jordan, creeps forward without a sound. Drawing near the lantern, he stops, as if afraid to enter the circle of light. On the streets above them no one stirs. Then a dark shape steps from the shadows. Jordan moans. "It's Riggs!" (The slave-trader.) The cruelest man Caleb knows. Jordan's owner stepping out, so they know he's on their trail. From that moment the Freedom Seekers can never forget that because of a fugitive slave law Jordan can be taken back into slavery, even from a free northern state. Nor can they forget that if Captain Norstad is caught hiding a fugitive he can lose the Christina. Then Elsa, a new-found immigrant friend, faces illness and possible death. Will Libby's need for courage bring her to the Lord who promises, "Do not fear, for I am with you"? Can the Freedom Seekers live the courage that offers life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to every person? Can they go beyond fear to put that courage into practice? As steamboats race for St. Paul, stakes are high. To escape capture, Jordan makes a mighty leap. In a time when captains did not stop for a man overboard, will Jordan survive his fall into icy waters? In Race for Freedom, the second Freedom Seekers novel, as well as others in the series, Lois Walfrid Johnson weaves together fictional characters with historic people who stood for important issues in American life.

LOIS WALFRID JOHNSON is the best-selling author of more than 30 books for children and adults including the best-selling Adventures of the Northwoods and Riverboat Adventures series. Her historically accurate novels and more than 250 shorter pieces have received a variety of awards, including the Gold Medallion Book Award, the C.S. Lewis Award for Best Series, and five Silver Angels from Excellence in Media. A former instructor for Writer's Digest School, Lois speaks and teaches writing at public and Christian schools, home educator groups, university classes, and writers' conferences. Lois loves talking with kids and writing edge-of-your-seat adventures. She and Roy, her husband, are the parents of three married children and make their home in Minnesota.