North by Night

This coming-of-age/self-discovery novel is set in the days of the Underground Railroad. The main character, who grows and matures throughout the novel, distances herself from the character who is her love interest so that she can spend more time with a Quaker who shares her interests and ideology. The book is in the format of journal entries and letters, so it is very accessible for students. Themes include courage, independence, choice and loneliness.