本書從一段流傳於黑夜中的歌聲展開，描寫 Peg Leg Joe 如何以音樂與星空，為被奴役的人指引通往自由的方向。故事中，一家人與夥伴們依循歌詞所暗藏的線索，在夜色下辨認北斗七星，踏上充滿未知的旅程。文字節奏如同歌謠本身，沉穩而富有力量；插畫則以近似原始藝術的筆觸，搭配鮮明色塊，形塑出緊張卻充滿希望的氛圍。畫面構圖富有律動感，使閱讀過程彷彿隨著腳步前進。這本繪本不僅重現歷史，也讓年輕讀者理解自由得來不易，並因此獲得《Booklist》星級書評的高度評價。Illus. in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.
