The Underground Railroad (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

By Lakita Wilson and National Geographic Kids

Paperback

Published on Dec 29, 2026 | 48 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Dec 29, 2026 | 48 Pages

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Grades 2–4
Ages 7–9

Learn all about the Underground Railroad, the people who traveled it, and its important role in American history with this National Geographic Level 3 Reader, perfect for independent readers strengthening their academic vocabulary and comprehension.

The Underground Railroad was not a railroad at all, but a secret network of hidden pathways, safe houses, and courageous people who helped thousands escape enslavement to freedom. It connected the “freedom seekers” with the brave “conductors”—such as Harriet Tubman—who risked their own freedom to help guide others to safety.

Young readers will also learn about other incredible helpers (like the Quakers and Frederick Douglass), the various paths to freedom, and important historic events, such as the Civil War and the passing of the 13th Amendment. With compelling illustrations and carefully leveled text, this National Geographic reader introduces a complex topic in an age-appropriate, accessible way.

NGK Level 3 Readers are ideal for fluent readers who are reading on their own with ease, with layered information and varied sentence structure.

ISBN 9798217224883 (Paperback)
Published on Dec 29, 2026
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 48
Dimensions 6 x 9
Age Range 7-9 years
Grade Grades 2-4
Reading Level Lexile: 840L | Fountas/Pinnell: Q

ISBN 9798217224890 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Dec 29, 2026
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 48
Dimensions 6 x 9
Age Range 7-9 years
Grade Grades 2-4
Reading Level Lexile: 840L | Fountas/Pinnell: Q

ISBN 9798217451159 (Ebook)
Published on Dec 29, 2026
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 48
Age Range 7-9 years
Grade Grades 2-4
Reading Level Lexile: 840L | Fountas/Pinnell: Q

Lakita Wilson

Lakita Wilson is the author of several novels and nonfiction projects for children and young adults, including What Is Black Lives Matter? a part of the New York Times bestselling Who HQ Now series, the middle grade contemporary novesl Be Real, Macy Weaver and Sparkle, and the new YA novel Pretty Girl County.

Lakita was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A 2017 recipient of SCBWI’s Emerging Voices Award, Lakita received her MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is currently on faculty at Prince George’s Community College in the education department. Lakita lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with her two children and shih-tzu. She can be found online at lakitawilson.com.

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids believes in the awesome power of science, exploration, and storytelling, and our children’s books bring the best of this incredible world directly to readers’ hands. Fun, colorful, and jam-packed with cool info, Nat Geo Kids books are also fact-checked, expert-reviewed, and 100 percent human-made—and from the only kids’ brand with roots in a world-class scientific organization. From leveled readers to photo-rich almanacs and from baby animals to dangerous dinosaurs, Nat Geo Kids has a book that will spark curiosity and ignite wonder in every young explorer!