Earthquake Surprise
Book 9 in the Bailey Fish Adventure series begins in Bailey’s middle school during math. Suddenly a thundery rumble is heard and the building shakes. Frightened students and teachers quickly evacuate the
brick building and learn that they have experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake.
There is also damage to Bailey’s grandmother’s house, neighboring Keswick Inn, and around the community. When Bailey and her grandmother, Sugar, clean up the mess in the house they discover a book about Henry Box Brown, a runaway slave born in Louisa County (near the present-day epicenter), who shipped himself to freedom in a box.
They also discover items that lead them to believe that Sugar’s house was involved in the Underground Railroad. Surprises continue with the arrival of unexpected visitors, who pose problems for Bailey.
Here's an excerpt from the book: Don't miss the excitement of the whole adventure!
It was the longest bus ride home. Ever!
Even though the afternoon sun was hot, Bailey shivered as she slid into her seat. It felt strange not to have her heavy book bag filling her lap. Her books and homework were still at school. There had been no time to get them, or her art project, when the brick middle school was evacuated.
First the loud, scary noise. Then the desks shook violently in her lower-level classroom, then the walls. Books, a TV, and a gray filing cabinet fell. Bailey clung to her desk and stared at her substitute teacher, who looked puzzled, then fearful. Mrs. Welton steadied herself as the floor felt like a wave passed under it. The students were too surprised to scream. Then they heard the fire alarm, the signal to get outside.
Purchase Book (Kindle Edition)
http://www.geol.vt.edu/outreach/vtso/
http://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/brownbox/brownbox.html (text of book)
http://albertis-window.blogspot.com/2010/09/henry-box-brown (moving panorama)
http://www.virginiamemory.com/online_classroom/lesson_plans/henry_box_brown_escapes_slavery
To read Box Brown’s narrative on-line: http://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/boxbrown/boxbrown.html
http://www.menare.org/ (to learn more about the Underground Railroad)