Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

January 15, 2013
Modest production values add appeal to this carefully researched account of "a life of courage, passion, and adventure." Young readers already have a plethora of Tubman titles to choose from, including the author's own 1992 Picture Book of Harriet Tubman for younger readers, illustrated by Samuel Byrd. This one, though, offers an unusually coherent picture of her character as well as her place within both the major events of her times and the work of the Underground Railroad. Laying stress on her religious faith and her selfless nature, Adler covers her career as Union spy and nurse as well as "conductor" in deep-enough detail to make mention of her later involvement in a money swindle and her ambiguous relationship with "niece" (daughter? kidnap victim?) Margaret Stewart. Sheaves of small, period black-and-white portrait photos or engravings, plus occasional atrocity reports or editorials clipped from African-American newspapers give the pages a staid look overall. This is underscored by a typeface that, intentionally or otherwise, sometimes looks battered or too-lightly inked. Tubman's exploits and struggles make absorbing reading nonetheless. Unassuming of aspect but judicious and illuminating of content. (endnotes, bibliography, personal note about the author's family in the Civil War) (Biography. 10-12)

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February 1, 2013

Gr 7 Up-This thoroughly researched biography is packed with information about Tubman's life, the ins and outs of slavery laws, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. After the slave-born Harriet, then called "Minty," suffered a serious head injury, she began to have biblically inspired visions that contributed to her lifelong mission, sustained by religious fervor, to help those in need and free as many slaves as she could. Tubman made many trips to and from the South and was always proud that she "never lost a passenger." During the Civil War, she worked as a laundress and nurse to black Union soldiers and became good friends with William Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State, who insured that her voice was heard by politicians. In her old age, Tubman established a house for "infirm" blacks. Many readers will find this biography, which is densely packed with facts and a few unexciting images, too dry to read from beginning to end. The content, however, is outstandingly researched and reflects the most recent information available about Tubman; students will find it useful during history or biography units. Teachers may use this book to teach lessons on researching: Adler scrupulously notes where historians disagree (such as on the total number of people Tubman led to freedom), sources each direct quote, and includes an extensive index and a selected bibliography. For more gripping reading along similar subject lines, try Susan Campbell Bartoletti's They Called Themselves the KKK (Houghton Harcourt, 2010) or Scott Reynolds Nelson and Marc Aronson's Ain't Nothing but a Man (National Geographic, 2007).-Allison Bruce, Bank Street Library, New York City

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2013
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* In addition to telling the story of Harriet Tubman's life, Adler helps readers understand her world, from the lives of slaves to the methods of the Underground Railroad to the social conditions in nineteenth-century America. Born into slavery in the early 1820s, Tubman was put to work around age five and hired out at six. A blow to the head left her with narcolepsya dangerous condition for a conductor on the Underground Railroadand visions, which both expressed her religious faith and strengthened her resolve. Adler traces Tubman's escape from slavery, her many trips leading other slaves northward, and her ceaseless striving to relieve suffering and to work for freedom in her world. He also gives vivid accounts of slave rescues she led and offers insight into her relationships with other notable figures of the day. Meticulously documented, this clearly written book builds a convincing portrayal of its subject through carefully chosen details and the skilled use of narrative and of period quotes. The black-and-white illustrations include many photos and prints from the period. While children's biographies of Harriet Tubman abound, most are aimed at a younger audience. Adler's well-researched account of her life is a strong choice for library collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)