Night Boat to Freedom — Margot Theis Raven

When Granny Judith asks twelve-year-old Christmas John to row Molly, cook's daughter, across the river from Kentucky to the Free State of Ohio, he's terrified. Bravely, he begins the first of many journeys. Each time he returns, Granny Judith asks what color clothing his passenger wore, for she's had a dream-vision and is making a quilt from squares of these “freedom colors.” When there are only two squares left, she tells him, “Dream says we got to get ourselves over the river, 'cause the danger's gonna grow awful.”
 
This compelling story, powerfully and poignantly illustrated, is a memorable celebration of courage, hope, and unselfish love.