Margaret Goff Clark incorporates several real historical figures into Freedom Crossing, such as Harriet Tubman, Josiah Tryon, Nat Turner, and Frederick Douglass. How does including these figures affect the story? How do these figures affect the characters?

When Laura first moves back to Lewiston, she feels disconnected from her younger brother, Bert. How do they eventually find connection with each other again? How is their relationship permanently changed (for better or for worse)?

How does the disagreement between Laura, Bert, and Joel reflect the larger conflict that would eventually become the American Civil War?