Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Carole Boston Weatherford. Illus. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Jump at the Sun, 2006. 36 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-078685175-1. Grades 2-5.
“Harriet, be the Moses of your people.” Although only Harriet Tubman could tell us for sure if God said these exact words to her, there is no denying that this strong, devout woman became a symbol of faith and freedom during the time of slavery. Born in to slavery in the early 19th century, Harriet Tubman endured a life of servitude and abuse until she heard the voice of God pushing her towards freedom. She found strength and comfort in his words and constant presence and followed her faith from Maryland to the free soil of Philadelphia. Tubman utilized the Underground Railroad and the kindness of strangers to make the 90 plus mile journey, mostly on foot; and she repeated this journey over a dozen times to help free hundreds more. Carole Boston Weatherford gives a beautifully written, rhythmic and lyrical account of Tubman’s spiritual and physical journey to freedom, utilizing spiritual hymns and style. Kadir Nelson uses his beautiful double page spreads to depict the pain, anguish, hope, and devotion of Tubman. Readers can feel sense her faith and feel her pain. Though fictional, this book does provide facts in the introduction and author’s note as well as in the style of writing and known information about Tubman. Highly Recommended.
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