The Underground Railroad by Jeffery L Schatzer Page A

said Mr. Jones. “Tamika has told us how you have been helping her and Jesse learn about the Underground Railroad. It’s nice of you to do that.”
    â€œThank you,” said the professor, “but it’s no trouble. I enjoy working with young people. It’s fun to watch them get excited about history.”
    While the adults talked, Tamika just sat there quietly and hung her head.
    â€œI missed seeing you on Tuesday,” the professor said to Tamika.
    Tamika looked down as she talked. “I don’t think I want to learn about slavery and the Underground Railroad anymore.”
    â€œWhy, sweetheart?” her father asked.
    â€œI don’t like it,” she answered quietly. “Besides, I’ve got a lot of homework and I don’t have time to see the professor.”
    Professor Tuesday swallowed hard before continuing. “I heard that you’ve been having nightmares. Is that true?”
    â€œJesse wasn’t supposed to tell,” Tamika said.
    â€œWhy didn’t you say anything to me?” her mother asked, placing her hand on Tamika’s shoulder.
    â€œI didn’t want to worry you,” Tamika said.
    Tamika’s mother stood up. “I’m going to get a glass of water. Professor, would you like something?”
    â€œYes, please,” the professor answered. “I’d love a glass of water.”
    Her mother went into the kitchen. After a few moments, she came back with water for everyone.
    â€œThank you,” said the professor as he took a glass. After he took a sip of water, he continued. “What is really bothering you, Tamika?”
    â€œAll this stuff about slavery and danger scares me,” she said.
    â€œTo be honest,” the professor added, “it scares me a bit, too. In fact, I’ve had nightmares about the Underground Railroad, myself. I had a bad dream about you, me, and Jesse being chased by slave catchers. It was very scary. But all of us are perfectly safe,” the professor said calmly. “The Critter Cam helps us see the past. None of us will be harmed at all.”
    â€œI know,” Tamika said. Her voice was shaky. “It’s just that I don’t want to see it. I don’t even want to think about it.”
    â€œHoney,” her mother said carefully, “bad things did happen to African-Americans back then. Slaves who defied their owner’s commands or ran away from their masters were treated harshly; some were even killed. But those who were brave, and those who helped them, changed the world. Don’t you see how important that is?”
    â€œI guess,” Tamika said as she rubbed her eyes.
    Professor Tuesday suddenly remembered something. He pulled out the box he had found in his office and handed it to Tamika. “I want you to have this,” he said.
    Tamika took the box from him. “What is it?”
    The professor shrugged his shoulders twice. “Jesse and Mr. Spinner came to my office on Tuesday. Your friend shared information about Eliza Harris and Laura Haviland, two brave women who lived in the 1800s. Laura Haviland lived in Michigan. She fought for the freedom of slaves almost her entire life and even started a school to help them learn to read and write. Something that slave masters would never allow.”
    â€œWhat about that Eliza person?” Tamika asked.
    â€œEliza Harris,” the professor said. A gentle smile crossed his face. “She is what this gift is all about.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Tamika asked.
    â€œAnother abolitionist woman named Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a book about Eliza’s life. I am giving you a very old, very valuable copy of that book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin .”
    Tamika opened the box. Inside was a dusty old book, just like the professor said.
    â€œThank you,” Tamika said shyly. “I’m not crazy about reading, but maybe my mom or dad will read it with me.”
    â€œOf course we