School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9-All of his young life, Jip (short for Gypsy) has wondered why he was abandoned along a road as a toddler. Raised on a Vermont poor farm, he is gentle and has a gift for communicating with animals. In 1855, his life is drastically changed, beginning with the arrival of Putnam Nelson, better known as "the lunatic." Forced to live in a crude wooden cage, Put, with Jip's compassion and guidance, proves to be articulate and intelligent when not experiencing one of his spells. When a woman with several children takes up residence at the poor farm, Jip attends school for the first time on a continuous basis. With the encouragement of the steadfast and respected Teacher, Jip discovers that he has a "mind for books." When a mysterious stranger appears in town seeking Jip, the secret of his origins is gradually revealed: he is the son of a biracial slave and her master. Helped by Quakers and Teacher, Jip and Put embark upon the Underground Railroad with tragic results that nevertheless result in Jip's eventual freedom in Canada. Author Katherine Paterson (Dutton, 1996) is an engaging storyteller, blending history, romance, ethical issues, and mystery to create an intriguing and thought-provoking tale with a dramatic ending that will linger in the minds of listeners. Narrator John McDonough captures just the right nuances of the Vermont style of speech. This strong story will find a place in collections serving upper elementary through middle school listeners.-Susan McCaffrey, Sturgis Middle School, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
This historical novel about a maltreated orphan "is full of revelations and surprises," said PW's starred review; "first-rate entertainment." Ages 10-14. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
