Kids Find Underground Railroad Site in new children's novel
by Anonymous

--Kids Find Underground Railroad Site--
New children's book Curiosity tells how fifth-graders discover grandparent's home was Underground Railroad site

Freetown IN, October 23 2003--—In the rolling hills of rural southern Indiana, Ginger Wanamaker and her best friend, Irene Fong, along with a terrier's help, make a great discovery: Ginger's grandparent's home was once a station on the Underground Railroad! In his book published in June 2003, Curiosity, Gerald Allen Wunsch tells this adventurous story through Ginger's eyes. A free review copy may be obtained through 1st Books at 1-(800)-839-8640, ext. 244, or email cmcglashan@1stbooks.com. Anyone in your office may request a book.

Laird, a spirited wire fox terrier that accompanies the girls, becomes a hero in the story through his digging and exploring. Ginger's grandparent's home is an artifact of a very important movement in American history, and, for these knowledge-thirsty young students, it opens a door to new learning.

Irene's parents were born in Suriname, South America. Her ancestors were slaves. With these details, children can learn that slavery existed all over the world, not just in the United States. With a multicultural flair, this book offers new ideas to young readers.
Students will have fun reading about the discoveries of Ginger and Irene, while learning about the crucial Underground Railroad from a contemporary perspective. The story text, sprinkled with "Whispers" interludes, also links to the 30-page "More Information" section in the back of the book. Illustrations by Irene Joslin, award-winning cartoonist for the Brown County Democrat newspaper in southern Indiana, enliven the story line.

Wunsch is a retired attorney who served on Law Review in law school and also served as a 1970's career diplomat with the U.S. State Department assigned to Hermosillo, Mexico, Paramaribo, Suriname, and Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Curiosity is his first children's book. Wunsch has published three articles in a sports car magazine, The Sacred Octagon, since his retirement. He lives bordering the Hoosier National Forest with his wife Martha and their irrepressible wire fox terrier Laird, featured in Curiosity.

Curiosity is at 17 public libraries and county schools. It is being sold at Viewpoint Books and the Visitors Center in Columbus, Howard's in Bloomington, the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Cover to Cover in Madison, and Conner Prairie, the Indiana State Museum, and the Indiana Historical Society in the Indianapolis area.It may be purchased on-line from Amazon.com or from any of the other on-line booksellers. Barnes & Noble and Borders will order it for you at their bookstores.

Here is a roundup of a few Curiosity events: On September 23, 9-9:30 a.m., Bud Shippee of Seymour's WQKC-WZZB (93.7FM; 1390AM) interviewed Jerry during his radio "Breakfast Club." Laird and Jerry were invited to Indianapolis' Channel 8, WISH-TV News 8 at Noon show with Patty Spitler and Eric Halverson on Sept. 24. This canine/man duo will appear again at the Jackson County Public Library in Seymour at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, for a children's program on the Underground Railroad followed by Laird's clicker tricks and a book-signing. Every weekend into December 2003 is taken up with Curiosity events.
Jerry Wunsch has appeared at two libraries and will visit two more to talk about the Underground Railroad with children and parents.
For interview requests, contact Laird for his tricks and Jerry Wunsch by calling (812) 497-0067 or e-mailing mgwunsch@compuage.com.

ISBN 1-4107-3966-7; LCCN 2003092263

a free review copy of Curiosity for media personnel (49 sent, so far, inc. Canada & the UK)
Request Curiosity from Charlene McGlashan (Give her your street address for UPS delivery):
Phone: 1-800-839-8640, ext. 244—Leave message.
Fax: (812) 339-6554; or email cmcglashan@1stbooks.com





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