Daisy’s Search for Freedom by Bertha Schwartz – Review

As they follow Daisy’s escape to freedom along the Underground Railroad, young readers will be engaged by one girl’s bravery as she takes a terrifying journey.

About the Book

It’s the 1850s and Daisy, a slave girl from Alabama, is thrilled when her Mama is brought to her plantation to be the new cook. Six Oaks Plantation has been Daisy’s home for years, and the future looks bright now that she and her Mama have been reunited. The happiness doesn’t last, though, when a dangerous encounter with a notorious slave hunter endangers Daisy’s life. She has no choice but to run. Leaving behind everything she has ever known, Daisy strikes out alone on the Underground Railroad.

Daisy’s search for freedom leads her deep into the woods. Along the way she is joined by Simon, a four-year-old boy and his pet kitten. Pursued by dogs, uncertainty, and a slave tracker determined to capture them by any means necessary, Daisy starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again. Does Jesus care about runaway slaves lost in the woods?

Daisy’s Search for Freedom contains thought-provoking discussion questions for young readers.

Amazon // Goodreads

In My Opinion…

For anyone looking for a book about slavery or the Underground Railroad for their young readers (this one is appropriate for middle grade readers and YA readers both), Daisy’s Search for Freedom is one you can’t go wrong with.

When events put young Daisy’s life in danger, she is given directions and a small charge as they flee the home Daisy has known for years. Through their journey, Daisy and Davy rely on each other as they make their way to freedom.

With discussion questions for each chapter, readers can delve deeply into the hatred and horribleness around slavery. And while Bertha Schwartz offers readers an engaging read that has plenty of ups and downs (including a little gray kitten that seems more dog than cat), she also uncovers the prejudice and hatred of people without making a young reader uncomfortable with revealing the full atrocities of slavery.

Daisy’s Search for Freedom would make a great book report or homeschool read for young students that will leave their minds both engaged and seeking for more answers to the injustices of this period in our history.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.