by
Kathleen Olson
Come Run with Me: A Story of the Underground Railroad is set in the backdrop of 19th-century America. It’s about friendship, freedom, faith, and the human spirit. The book immerses readers in the lives of Polly, Hattie, and their companions as they go through challenges that seem too big for their young shoulders. Kathleen Olson, author, makes the book meaningful by creating relatable characters while addressing deeper issues, such as slavery, family, and hope.
The story begins with Polly, an 11-year-old farm girl, and Hattie, a runaway slave, meeting on Polly’s family farm. From there, their lives become intertwined in ways neither of them imagined. Polly’s father, Reverend Wellington, runs a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network that helps escaped slaves reach freedom. Polly’s family makes the bold decision to personally escort Hattie to Canada to ensure she reaches safety.
The journey is anything but smooth. Olson pulls the reader into every step of their adventure, starting with the harrowing crossing of the Mississippi River and continuing through the busy streets of Chicago, where the girls face setbacks and moments of fear. Along the way, they encounter allies like Israel and Noah, two former slaves, but also dangerous figures like Mr. Kirby, a relentless slave catcher who threatens to derail their mission. The story doesn’t shy away from moments of intense conflict that contributes to its emotional climax. Olson rounds off the story with a beautiful epilogue, set 20 years later, where the friends reunite.
The friendship between Polly and Hattie is the heart of the story. Their relationship grows naturally over the course of the book, from hesitant beginnings to a deep bond that shapes both of their futures. Polly learns courage, empathy, and the importance of sacrifice, while Hattie finds hope in a world where hope seemed impossible.
Olson talks about faith in a way that feels sincere rather than preachy. Reverend Wellington’s belief that they must act with kindness and trust in God’s plan plays a subtle but important role throughout the book. The recurring idea of the “angel on his shoulder” gives the characters strength during difficult moments.
Lastly, the Come Run with Me blends historical facts with a personal story. Readers gain a sense of what life was like for runaway slaves and those who helped them, but the book never feels like a history lesson. Instead, Olson focuses on the human side of it, creating a story that resonates long after the last page is turned.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2025
