Almost to Freedom (By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Colin Bootman, Carolrhoda books, Lerner Publishing, interest level: Grades 1-5, hardcover w jacket, $15.95) Sally, a tattered rag doll, tells the story of a young girl and her parents as they escape from slavery and start the dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad to a place called Freedom. Lindy and Sally are best friends – wherever Lindy goes, so does Sally. They eat together, sleep together and even pick cotton together. So, when Lindy and her mama run away one night, Sally goes too. At their first stop, Sally and Lindy are hiding in the basement when slave catchers approach. Lindy and her parents must escape quickly. In the rush Sally is left behind, will she be found? Stunning paintings capture the drama and emotion of this unforgettable story.