Rave Reviews!
Judith E. Manthe, Principal Chief, Wyandot Nation of Kansas:
This book is a must-read for elementary students and for anyone wanting to learn the true history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. I have grown up knowing my Wyandot ancestry. Ebenezer O. Zane (Quindaro hotel owner and reputed conductor on the Underground Railroad) is my second great-grandfather. The Wyandots considered the slaves as we considered ourselves: Children of the Land. We knew slavery was wrong. I am honored to recommend this book!
Thomas Dick, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University:
In her second book, Orion O’Brien and the Spirit of Quindaro, author Fran Borin takes us on a new adventure of four youngsters and their encounter with the ghost of a girl who escaped slavery via the underground railroad. Not only is it a captivating fictional tale, it provides compelling history that can help young readers understand the continuing impact of slavery in America today.
Mikaela Samson, age 11, Belton, Missouri:
An inspirational story that intertwines history, friendship, and fun. I really liked the part where Susanna comes back to see Ollie after he breaks his arm. Susanna is a loyal and kind friend who makes life for Orion, Ollie and their friends a fun and interesting adventure!
David Smale, Author:
As an author of more than two dozen books, I have had plenty of opportunities to read. Rarely have I enjoyed reading a book as much as I enjoyed Fran Borin’s first effort, Orion O’Brien and the Ghost of Samuel Grayhawk. I’m not exactly in the demographic that Fran targeted, but I couldn’t put it down. When I found out that she was releasing another book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I read Orion O’Brien and the Spirit of Quindaro almost entirely in one sitting. If you like fiction with a lot of historical facts to back it up, you’ll love reading Orion O’Brien’s latest adventure. Just don’t make any plans for the rest of your day!
Isaac Young, age 10, Shawnee, Kansas:
I like this book because it’s very adventurous and because the ghost is connected to the first book. I like it because it’s packed with history of the Underground Railroad.
Nancy Wallerstein, Former Chair of the Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation and Member, Johnson County Museum Advisory Council:
Orion O’Brien, once again, discovers history through an appearance from the spirit world. This leads to investigating diaries, historical facts and listening to an elder’s memories. “The Spirit of Quindaro” brings to life the Underground Railroad and its traveler’s challenges. An entertaining and informative book for young readers.