Follow the North Star

About the Book

Follow the North Star continues the story of the Underground Railroad, and also tells what life was like for the people when they successfully made it to the northern states in the U.S., and Canada. The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses and secret routes used by slaves in the United States, and many parts of Canada to escape forced labor on southern plantations. More than 1,000 people escaped to freedom between 1810 and 1865. Escaped slaves moved from one place to another, slowly making their way north, while receiving help from free blacks, abolitionists, and Native Americans. In this book, more information is told about their lives, and communities once settling in their new homes. Due to changes introduced by Reconstruction, the Emancipation Proclamation, and a victory by the Union Army in the Civil War blacks were allowed more freedom, and a chance at a normal life. Also they were able to get an education, and increase their skills in the areas of textiles, arts and crafts, blacksmithing, and manufacturing. They lived successful lives that allowed them to keep their wages, own property, get married, raise families, and build churches and schools; ensuring the success of future generations of African-Americans.

About the Author

Louise Chessi McKinney was born in Waterbury, Connecticut and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Science Degree in Art History from Central Connecticut State University. Her Graduate Thesis was on the subject of Jacob Lawrence and the Migration Series. She also holds certificates in Interior Decorating and Retail merchandising. The beauty of the Southern landscape, especially North Carolina, and the rugged, colorful New England atmosphere has found its expression in her paintings and children’s book illustrations. She is the author and illustrator of The Journey to Freedom on the Underground Railroad and Flying Into History: The Tuskegee Airmen Story. She is a supporter of Americans for the Arts, as well as, Artists Helping the Homeless. She is a member and supporter of the Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury, CT), the Wadsworth Atheneum (Hartford, CT), and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center (Ledyard, CT). Her work has been displayed at The Southington Public Library, New Opportunities for Waterbury, and the Red Piano Too Folk Art Gallery in South Carolina. Her influences include artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Jacob Lawrence, Picasso, Jonathan Green and Wayne Thiebaud.