The Underground Railroad Reading Guide

Explore the themes of law ≠ justice; slavery, freedom, and unfreedom; and resilience, courage, and voice in this guide to Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad. Part of the We the People Book Club, a year-long program contemplating America’s past and possibilities, this guide was created for individual and group use. Questions within each theme facilitate (1) your interpretation of the text, (2) your personal reflections inspired by your reading, and (3) practices for you to try that animate the novel’s democratic values. Thanks to Julia Davis, Practicing Democracy Fellow, for writing these guides and coordinating the We the People Book Club program.