1. The Underground Railroad was a remarkable social phenomenon that involved the partnership and trust of thousands of people of different religious beliefs, social standing, and political philosophy. How did the Underground Railroad work? Was it successful enough to threaten the existence of slavery in the United States?

2. Lester says that "Louis" was inspired by Reminiscences of Levi Coffin, an important figure in the running of the Underground Railroad. Find a copy of this book and report on the incidents that Lester uses for his story.

Who was Levi Coffin?

3. What was the law passed in 1850 that required law officers to return escaped slaves to their masters, even when the escaped slaves were living in states in which slavery was illegal?

Who wrote the law? Who favored the law? Who tried to prevent its passing?

4. How were escaped slaves treated in...