One thousand feet across the Ohio River lay Ripley, Ohio -- and freedom. Before the Civil War, Kentucky was a slave state, while Ohio remained free. Time and time again, John Parker, an ex-slave who had bought his own freedom, led Kentucky slaves across a thin stretch of river to Ohio, and safety. These dangerous journeys demanded a tremendous amount of courage, careful planning, and faith. Freedom River is based on a true story of one man’s determination to help an African American family escape from slavery along the legendary Underground Railroad.

Doreen Rappaport is fascinated by the lives of “not yet celebrated” Americans and enjoys transcribing tales of significant cultures. She lives and writes in New York.

Bryan Collier began painting at the age of fifteen. In 1985, he won first place in a congressional competition and was awarded a scholarship to Pratt Institute, where he earned a B.F.A. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries throughout New York and in Maryland, and one of his murals was featured on an episode of Sesame Street. He lives in New York, where he directs mural programs for children.

Click here for a video interview with Bryan Collier from TeachingBooks.net.