Lindy and her doll, Sally, are best friends―wherever Lindy goes, Sally stays right by her side. She’s with Lindy when she eats, when she sleeps, and even when she picks cotton. So, on the night Lindy and her mama run away in search of freedom, Sally goes too. This young girl's rag doll vividly narrates her enslaved family's courageous escape through the Underground Railroad. At once heart-wrenching and uplifting, this story about friendship and the strength of the human spirit will touch the lives of all readers long after the journey has ended. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is the author of The Book Itch , as well as three Coretta Scott King Award-winning books: No Crystal Stair , Bad News for Outlaws , and Almost to Freedom . She is a former youth services librarian in New Mexico. Visit her online at vaundanelson.com. Colin Bootman is the award-winning illustrator of many books for children, including Young Frederick Douglass , Almost to Freedom , and The Steel Pan Man of Harlem― which he also wrote. He and his books have received numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Teacher's Choice Award. Born in Trinidad, Mr. Bootman came to the United States at the age of seven and found that art helped him cope with his new environment. Once a young artist himself, Mr. Bootman hopes his art can encourage children to follow their dreams and embrace their passions.