it she 5realized that she had left something or someone out of the first book that she had put in this one. Also, in this book, Thomas little brothers Buddy and Buster, the twins, were more a part of the main story. They were always getting in trouble and finding new passageways. They were even in physical danger, at one point, due to their toddler curiosity.This story also talks more about the hidden secret passageways of the Underground Railroad. It brings back the same characters from the other story, along with a new one. Thomas Small, the main character, in his early teenage years, full of curiosity and pensiveness. His twin brothers, Buddy and Buster, the two toddlers always getting in trouble but also known for their powers to sense evil. Mr. and Mrs. Small, parents of Thomas, Buddy and Buster. Pesty and M.C. Darrow, Thomas friends and the only members of the Darrow family that are good. Pluto, the old landlord. The rest of the Darrow family, the bad people who are looking for hidden treasure. Darrows had been hunting for hidden treasure in the maze of underground slave escape 6tunnels of the regions hills for generations.7 Also, not a main character in the first book, Thomas Grandmother Jeffers from North Carolina, is much more of the Smalls lives.When asked how did Virginia Hamilton first know she wanted to be a writer, she replied, Well, Ive always written, since the time I was a child. I kept a notebook in which I kept all those things adults couch in cover up phrases so children wont understand. I figured someday I would know what they were talking about. Unfortunately, I lost the notebook during my rush into puberty.8 It is very evident when one reads a book of Virginia Hamiltons, that she has had years of practice. Her stories have good plots and they teach the reader something. It is no wonder that many of her books have won awards and can always be found on childrens summer reading lists 7everywhere. Also,...
