OVERGROUND RAILROAD
The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
A young reader’s edition of Candacy Taylor’s acclaimed book about the history of the Green Book, the guide for Black travelers
Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses.
The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations,
A young reader’s edition of Candacy Taylor’s acclaimed book about the history of the Green Book, the guide for Black travelers
Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses.
The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated.
This young reader’s edition of Candacy Taylor’s critically acclaimed adult book Overground Railroad includes her own photographs of Green Book sites, as well as archival photographs and interviews with people who owned and used these facilities. The book also includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.
- Amulet Books
- Hardcover
- January 2022
- 272 Pages
- 9781419749490
Buy the Book
$22.99
About Candacy Taylor
Candacy Taylor is an award-winning author, photographer, and cultural documentarian. Her work has been featured in more than 50 media outlets, including The New Yorker and the Atlantic. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships and grants, including The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She lives in New York.
Praise
“Taylor has skillfully adapted her acclaimed 2020 adult title for teens into a smooth, readable volume that provides context for the rise of Black travel guides and the societal changes that Green and his wife, Alma, responded to. . .Meticulous research and lively anecdotes combine to provide a powerful volume of social history.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Enhancing the impeccable writing is an attractive design with Green Book covers, images of the guide’s sites, and other period photographs. . .An impressive insight into Black history that still resonates today.”—Booklist (starred review)
“. . .A potent discussion starter regarding the current state of the “open road” for Black travelers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books