The Birdman

This book talks about a Canadian boy named Alexander who lives in a wonderful, wealthy, white family and grows up to be a doctor. He uses his passions for nature to help slaves find the Underground Railroad. When he was young, escaped slaves came to his doorstep because their ship was blown off course. These slaves had to journey on foot for many miles. Alexander’s mother and father showed the refugees the best hospitality they had ever known. This made a big impression on Alexander. As he got older, Alexander wanted all people to be as free as the birds he studied. So he used his time out in the fields with the slaves to communicate plans for an escape to Canada. After helping more than a dozen slaves, Alexander realized there was a reward for his capture. He changed his appearance and kept trying to help people escape slavery. The pictures in this book made you think you were there with Alexander. They have a three-dimensional effect to them, and almost all of them show the birds that gave Alexander his nickname, “The Birdman.” I recommend this book to everyone ages ten to one hundred. It is a good story and a good history lesson.