What do you think?
Rate this book
I Am #6
I Am Harriet Tubman
A straightforward biography about Harriet Tubman's struggles and success for both civil and women's rights. With a forward-thinking attitude, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and risked her life countless times to help free 70 others. She became monumental in both the civil rights movement and the women's suffrage movement. Kids will be inspired by this icon's tireless work to create a better America. This series features full-color illustrated covers, one-color illustrations throughout, a timeline, an introduction to the people you'll meet in the book, maps, sidebars, and a top-ten list of important things to know about each hero.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
21 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Grace Norwich
38 books16 followersGrace Norwich has written many books for young readers on a variety of topics, including health, fashion, animals, and more. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 8, 2023
Reading group book—the older I get the harder even the children’s book presentation of enslaved individuals lives just gets harder and harder to read. Deeply sad and necessary. This is straight forward and doesn’t mince details but is on a level of honesty that is appropriate for 5th graders. If your kids love the “who was” books this series is a step up from those.
January 17, 2016
By: Grace Norwich
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks
Age Recommended: all ages
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"I Am Harriet Tubman" by Grace Norwich was a wonderfully well written novel. This was a biography of Ms. Tubman's 'struggles and success for both civil and women's rights.' From the reading we find that Harriet Tubman not only escaped slavery by helping others but many times only to be found risking her own life in the process in her determination to 'create a better 'America.' All I can say is that you will have to pick up this read by the author to see just what all this series holds. Be ready for 'series features full-color illustrated covers, one-color illustrations throughout, a timeline, an introduction to the people you'll meet in the book, maps, sidebars, and a top-ten list of important things to know about each hero.' I found this a very interesting read and I would recommend this read to you as a excellent read.
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks
Age Recommended: all ages
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"I Am Harriet Tubman" by Grace Norwich was a wonderfully well written novel. This was a biography of Ms. Tubman's 'struggles and success for both civil and women's rights.' From the reading we find that Harriet Tubman not only escaped slavery by helping others but many times only to be found risking her own life in the process in her determination to 'create a better 'America.' All I can say is that you will have to pick up this read by the author to see just what all this series holds. Be ready for 'series features full-color illustrated covers, one-color illustrations throughout, a timeline, an introduction to the people you'll meet in the book, maps, sidebars, and a top-ten list of important things to know about each hero.' I found this a very interesting read and I would recommend this read to you as a excellent read.
August 11, 2025
Harriet Tubman has many books written about her and this was written like a story. I think some of the information isn't right. But it's very interesting. I recommend that it be read and check on some information. She was a wonderful woman that cared for her family and anyone in need. She even gave speeches for women to get the vote.
June 23, 2013
Other reviewers have mentioned how exciting this biography of the diminutive woman was, and I absolutely agree. After an introduction that provides a glimpse into the life of Harriet Tubman, born with many strikes against her, the book traces her early years and the harsh treatment she endured before trying to escape to freedom. The writer makes readers feel as though they are right alongside this fearless woman, somehow finding the courage to venture south again and again as she led others, many of them her relatives, to a better life. Young readers will feel just as dismayed and disheartened as I was to learn that she was never compensated for the work she performed for the Union Army during the Civil War. While many readers will know about her travels on the Underground Railroad, they may not know that she led an army, served as a spy, and advocated for better treatment of the elderly as well as being involved in the civil rights and women's suffrage movements. Like the other titles in the "I Am..." series, this one provides interesting details missing from many history texts. The book also lists websites that allow readers to glimpse some of Harriet's stops along her journey. The illustrations work very well with the story.
December 9, 2021
Read this back in 4th grade for a project. It helped me so much.
May 1, 2013
This series and this book in particular ROCKS!!! Overall it's well written with an introduction that pulls the reader in and gets them started with some basic info. People that appear in text are pictured before the start of the narrative along with a paragraph identifying who they are and what role they play in Tubman's life. Additionally, a timeline is included. All this before the narrative even starts!
Harriet's life reads like a gripping story. Illustrations highlight key scenes in her life and sidebars offer commentary on topics raised in text.
Following the narrative is a map of the Underground Railroad,2 lists of facts about Tubman, a glossary, list of places to visit, a bibliography, and an index.
This biography is high quality and one that I would recommend for grades 3-5, especially for reports. Additionally, the wealth of information and the writing style makes this a great example of informational text in line with the Common Core State Standards.
Harriet's life reads like a gripping story. Illustrations highlight key scenes in her life and sidebars offer commentary on topics raised in text.
Following the narrative is a map of the Underground Railroad,2 lists of facts about Tubman, a glossary, list of places to visit, a bibliography, and an index.
This biography is high quality and one that I would recommend for grades 3-5, especially for reports. Additionally, the wealth of information and the writing style makes this a great example of informational text in line with the Common Core State Standards.
December 14, 2017
A good overview of Harriet Tubman’s life and contributions. There were several unanswered or incomplete or vague sections where I wanted to know more details or what really happened. It is well done for the young audience it was written for. Harriet Tubman was a brave and compassionate woman. I will stand in line to meet her in heaven.
December 11, 2017
This is a book series on some of the greatest American Icons. The books are chapter books that give the life of important historical figures. Great read and perfect for the classrooms!
February 21, 2018
Asher (11yo) read for History.
"A good description. I really liked how she scared the hens so her old master did not recognize her."
"A good description. I really liked how she scared the hens so her old master did not recognize her."
February 24, 2017
Reviewer
Taylor Turley
Book Title
I am Harriet Tubman
Author
Grace Norwich
Lexile
1060
Genre
Biography
Review:
I just finished the Book Harriet Tubman, and wow what a great book! The book was a biography book! Yes this book belongs to a series of books! This book has 124 pages. And it was a easy book! I think this book is aged to 8-12! The plot of this book is how Harriet Tubman is trying to Escape from Slavery. My favorite Character in the book is probaby is Harriet Tubman. Because she has been so Brave and what she has done. Yes they are actually Human. The Main Characters face trying to Escape from Slavery. I learned a lesson from the book Harriet Tubman didn’t ever give up from trying. And that was the actual lesson I learned. Don’t ever give up try your hardest. This book was in the Past. The setting is kinda of fuzzy. But I can easily make a movie in my head. My opinion is that I think other readers would really actually like this book. If they like biography. I enjoyed the book just because of how the author word it. I think ages 10-up maybe. My favorite part of the book is how Harriet Tubman works her way out of Slavery. The book really actually felt Complete just by how it was set up Because it was set up just right. I would describe the book Information about the Character. No, I would never set up the book any differently. Um I don’t know if i Felt how the author would have want me to felt because I like books. But I don’t really have Emotions for the book! I hope you guys enjoy the book as much as I did!
Taylor Turley
Book Title
I am Harriet Tubman
Author
Grace Norwich
Lexile
1060
Genre
Biography
Review:
I just finished the Book Harriet Tubman, and wow what a great book! The book was a biography book! Yes this book belongs to a series of books! This book has 124 pages. And it was a easy book! I think this book is aged to 8-12! The plot of this book is how Harriet Tubman is trying to Escape from Slavery. My favorite Character in the book is probaby is Harriet Tubman. Because she has been so Brave and what she has done. Yes they are actually Human. The Main Characters face trying to Escape from Slavery. I learned a lesson from the book Harriet Tubman didn’t ever give up from trying. And that was the actual lesson I learned. Don’t ever give up try your hardest. This book was in the Past. The setting is kinda of fuzzy. But I can easily make a movie in my head. My opinion is that I think other readers would really actually like this book. If they like biography. I enjoyed the book just because of how the author word it. I think ages 10-up maybe. My favorite part of the book is how Harriet Tubman works her way out of Slavery. The book really actually felt Complete just by how it was set up Because it was set up just right. I would describe the book Information about the Character. No, I would never set up the book any differently. Um I don’t know if i Felt how the author would have want me to felt because I like books. But I don’t really have Emotions for the book! I hope you guys enjoy the book as much as I did!
April 6, 2013
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in 1821. She escaped to freedom in her late 20s and from then on worked tirelessly to end slavery. She was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, returning over and over again to the south to guide more than 70 slaves to freedom. When slavery ended, she worked for the rights of blacks in the United States, and also for the rights of women.
This book is an excellent introduction to Harriet Tubman. It covers her entire life and does so at a pace fast enough to keep the reader interested. The beginning of the book contains some history of Harriet Tubman's family, and thus some history of slavery. The details of her many trips on the Underground Railroad increase the fascinating nature of the book.
The pencil illustrations break up the text and add additional information. Boxes contain facts related to Harriet Tubman and freedom and slavery are included. The boxes, though, aren't so long that they take the reader's focus away from the text of the book.
The cover illustration is in color and shows a fearless woman reaching out a beckoning hand.
After reading I Am Harriet Tubman, I’d like to know more about this courageous and powerful woman. Several books are listed as possibilities for further reading. The end papers also include a map of the Underground Railroad, a list of 10 things one should know about Harriet Tubman, followed by a list of 10 more interesting facts, a glossary and index.
The quality of the binding isn't great. I suspect it will fall apart after three or four readings in a school library. This isn't a reason not to buy the book, but it may be a reason to buy multiple copies.
Although the title of the book implies the book is written in first person, it’s actually written in third person, with a three page first person spread in the very beginning.
Harriet Tubman’s primary work wasn't as a politician, but through her civil disobedience she helped to bring about political change.
This book is an excellent introduction to Harriet Tubman. It covers her entire life and does so at a pace fast enough to keep the reader interested. The beginning of the book contains some history of Harriet Tubman's family, and thus some history of slavery. The details of her many trips on the Underground Railroad increase the fascinating nature of the book.
The pencil illustrations break up the text and add additional information. Boxes contain facts related to Harriet Tubman and freedom and slavery are included. The boxes, though, aren't so long that they take the reader's focus away from the text of the book.
The cover illustration is in color and shows a fearless woman reaching out a beckoning hand.
After reading I Am Harriet Tubman, I’d like to know more about this courageous and powerful woman. Several books are listed as possibilities for further reading. The end papers also include a map of the Underground Railroad, a list of 10 things one should know about Harriet Tubman, followed by a list of 10 more interesting facts, a glossary and index.
The quality of the binding isn't great. I suspect it will fall apart after three or four readings in a school library. This isn't a reason not to buy the book, but it may be a reason to buy multiple copies.
Although the title of the book implies the book is written in first person, it’s actually written in third person, with a three page first person spread in the very beginning.
Harriet Tubman’s primary work wasn't as a politician, but through her civil disobedience she helped to bring about political change.
March 18, 2013
Last year DD7 and I read and enjoyed the Drinking gourd, so this book was a step up. It is a new (Jan 2013) biography of Harriet Tubman by Grace Norwich (Scholastic). It has a recommended reading age of 7 years and up. DD7 could read most of it herself. Instead, we chose to read it together so I could answer any questions she had. It deals with some pretty serious topics for a 7yr old such as slavery, the bad treatment of slaves and racism. Harriet Tubman’s life and work for civil and woman’s rights is inspiring to say the least. Books like this make it easier for our children to understand that they live with equal rights today because of the sacrifice and courage of women like Harriet Tubman. Although it is marketed as a children’s book I think that even adults who would like a simple outline of Ms. Tubman’s life would enjoy this book.
This title is the sixth in the Scholastic 'I am' biography series written by Grace Norwich.
the review as originally posted on my blog
http://piwiprincess.blogspot.com/2013...
I Am #6: Harriet TubmanGrace Norwich
This title is the sixth in the Scholastic 'I am' biography series written by Grace Norwich.
the review as originally posted on my blog
http://piwiprincess.blogspot.com/2013...
I Am #6: Harriet TubmanGrace Norwich
December 11, 2023
The genre of "I Am Harriet Tubman" by Grace Norwich is Biography and it's intended for children that are ages 7-10.
Summary: "I Am Harriet Tubman" by Grace Norwich is a compelling biography that introduces young readers to the iconic abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman. Her remarkable journey from enslavement to becoming one of the most courageous leaders of the Underground Railroad who led many enslaved people to freedom.
Evaluation: This book does a great job of capturing the essence of Tubman's bravery and determination through engaging storytelling and the inclusion of illustrations and historical photographs. Norwich presents complex historical events in a digestible format for young readers. She navigates Tubman's life with clarity while highlighting her role in guiding enslaved individuals to freedom and her unwavering commitment to justice. This biography is an excellent tool for teachers and parents to introduce young readers to Tubman's inspiring story to encourage children to appreciate the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in creating positive change in the world.
11/27/23
Summary: "I Am Harriet Tubman" by Grace Norwich is a compelling biography that introduces young readers to the iconic abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman. Her remarkable journey from enslavement to becoming one of the most courageous leaders of the Underground Railroad who led many enslaved people to freedom.
Evaluation: This book does a great job of capturing the essence of Tubman's bravery and determination through engaging storytelling and the inclusion of illustrations and historical photographs. Norwich presents complex historical events in a digestible format for young readers. She navigates Tubman's life with clarity while highlighting her role in guiding enslaved individuals to freedom and her unwavering commitment to justice. This biography is an excellent tool for teachers and parents to introduce young readers to Tubman's inspiring story to encourage children to appreciate the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in creating positive change in the world.
11/27/23
June 17, 2013
Scholastic's new biography series is perfect for 2nd graders on up. The reader-friendly chapters are short and engaging. Numerous detailed illustrations fill the book adding to the story. This particular volume focuses on Harriet Tubman and her heroic deeds throughout her life. She was born a slave and a woman, a small woman at that. So it is quite amazing all that she accomplished despite these seemingly insurmountable circumstances. At barely five feet tall Harriet was not afraid to stand up to her white owners which usually resulted in severe beatings. She eventually escaped on the Underground Railroad and later became its most well-known conductor. She saved over 70 slaves and never lost a single passenger on her railroad. She also was a spy and scout during the Civil War. Later she continued to fight for equal rights for her people of color as well as her gender. Harriet even worked for better care of the elderly. A lot of grit and gumption filled this small woman who did a lot for our country.
March 5, 2013
This book follows Harriet Tubman from a personal viewpoint. It felt like you were reading a letter from a family member telling her story. I really enjoyed the viewpoint and information included in this version of her life history. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the pictures and illustrations were well placed and helped the book have credibility. I learned things about Harriet Tubman that I did not know! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy to read and understand retelling of her life story!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
February 26, 2015
She changed her fist name to Harriet because she didn't want to become a slave any more and she married a guy that was a free slave named was John Tubman. She asked her husband if he can help her become a free slave to, but he said no because he didn't want to get put in jail. So she ran away and become a free slave, and then she help friends, families, strangers that she did know. She died from some white person hitting her with a whip and how she has something wrong with her brain and her head and she still lived after but that's what she died from,
May 18, 2016
This book was pretty good. I read it because I like to learn about the Underground Railroad. I also read it because it was really short and we have a nonfiction reading requirement. I liked how Harriet Tubman stood up for what she thought was right. I liked how she just ran away when her husband (John Tubman) said he wouldn't help her become a free slave like himself. She was a crazy person for wanting to lead an army and help people escape behind everyone's back. I recommend this short and easy book to anyone wanting to learn more about Harriet Tubman.
January 17, 2013
Far more the usual one sentence in a history book, Harriet Tubman was an interesting person who lived an exciting life. Born a slave, Harriet had to be strong despite her slight build and incidents where she was sick or injured. The author gives a realistic account of what it must have been like for Harriet.
October 29, 2015
I read this book in Spanish. The title is I am Harriet Tubman. In Spanish it is Soy Harriet Tubman. The author is Grace Norwich. This story is about Harriet Tubman and how she helped slaves escape through the underground railroad. She helped a lot of people and she kept going to get more. I liked learning about more history and people helping others.
July 31, 2016
Great history series for kids. This is our second one. Harriet Tubman was certainly a tough woman. Having to explain what slavery was to my seven year old made me realize just how innocent she really is. It also served to remind me just how horrible slavery was.
July 21, 2016
This is a good book! I have read many books on Harriet Tubman.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
January 6, 2014
i love these books i read a bunch of them they are great i liked this one the most i realy liked this one and i learned a lot about this woman and the most bravest thing she ever did you should read some of these books
February 7, 2013
I love how this book started: "I was born a slave and a woman. In my time, you couldn't get much lower than that." It is a great way to teach your child about this historical journey. Go Harriet!
probably-not
February 8, 2013Netgalley declined
January 6, 2016
Best for older children, but we'll written and interesting information.
Read
April 21, 2017SUPER INFORMATIONAL
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews