Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Weatherford, C. (2006). Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. New York, NY: Hyperion Books.

While the title implies this book is about Harriet Tubman leading slaves to freedom, it is more about her own escape. Harriet was born a slave, and one night the Lord tells here it is time for her to be free. She risks her life and health hiding from slave catchers and dogs and walking for long periods of times through tough terrain sometimes barefoot. Harriet's strength and faith keep her going even when she doubts herself and ability. There are people that help her along the way, but we never see them as Harriet is the focus of the book. Once she arrives to her destination, she comes to the conclusion that she must return to help free her family. We know that she returns many times to free others. She becomes a conductor in the Underground Railroad. 

The pictures are gorgeous. But I wouldn't expect anything else from Kadir Nelson. This is why he won the Illustrator Award for this book.  What I noticed is that with the exception of 2 pages, most of the  pictures are dark. Harriet is shown predominately in the dark or in shadows. This makes sense because she was escaping from slavery and that usually wasn't done in the daytime. Slaves had to sneak out in the cover of darkness. It is not until Harriet reaches Philadelphia that we see her drawn in bright colors. 

It is written in narrative mixed with verse. The words of Harriet are in italics much like they are lyrics. Which may imply that she is singing them. Slaves did sing quite a bit to hide their plans from slave masters. The words of God are large and written across the page. This shows the reader the importance of the message and the messenger.

Moses is another book suitable intermediate grades for African American History month. Primary teachers may find it good for read alouds but they will have to do a lot of explaining.