Wanted Dead Or Alive: The True Story Of Harriet Tubman

by Ann McGovern, Richard M. Powers (Illustrator)

A biography of the courageous slave from Maryland who escaped to the freedom of the north, and then returned, time and again, to lead others to freedom.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, School, Picture Books, Biography Memoir

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ann McGovern Scheiner (née Weinberger) was an American writer of more than 55 children's books, selling over 30 million copies. She may be best known for her adaptation of Stone Soup, as well as Too Much Noise, historical and travel non-fiction, and biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Deborah Sampson Gannett and Eugenie Clark.

Reviews

[Kelli Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this book since the first grade. My review is based solely on how it effected me as a child. This book literally changed my life.
I was sick the day the other kids got to choose their books for book reports so I had last pick when i returned to school the next day... My teacher brought my attention to the book and I decided to trust her because she was a great teacher :)
Best decision ever.
I don't recall the writing style, i don't recall the pictures except for an image of her at the train station on the bench in the end... but it opened me to an entirely new world. A world that had truths that were hidden. A world where this really happened.. and it wasn't that long ago. Mind Blown.
I had never been so moved by a book. It made me start looking further into human rights(yes! In first grade!)and american history. I was suddenly desperate to find out more.
I went to the library and got the next level up (information wise) in books. I HAD to learn more.
This book helped fuel my desire to live in a world of equality and freedom. It helped build a compassion and desire to understand the stories that are too often swept under the rug.
I do give this book an awful lot of credit... i might read it today and laugh at all i got from it... but that doesn't matter to me.. I am proud of how it helped me grow and who it helped me become.

[Kate Foran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is somewhat outdated (original title was "Runaway Slave"), but the narrative of Harriet Tubman's life is well-told and true to Ms. Tubman's own account. It's more of a page turner than "Who was Harriet Tubman?" One of my student book clubs chose to read it and they have LOVED it.

I wish it contained more about her work as a spy during the civil war.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful life that blessed so many other lives. She continues to bless us with her message and example. We read about her upbringing, determination, faith, and will to do anything with the help of God. She helped her fellow man, black or white and valued everyone equally. The blue ink illustrations are a small glimpse to give a visual but the informative story of Harriot Tubman is the principle element of this book. She is a true American Hero and an inspiration for many generations.

[Zahra tavakoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

عنوان فارسی برده فراری
زمان کودکی یکی از کتابهای کانون بود که چندین بار خواندمش و تصویرگری آن خیلی در خاطرم مانده. وقتی در کتابخانه آن را دیدم دوباره مجذوبش شدم. داستان زندگی زنی سیاهپوست که نه تنها خودش از برده‌داری فرار کرد بلکه به آزادی تقریباً سیصد برده کمک کرد.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a beautiful juvenile biography of Harriet Tubman. I remember getting this in 3rd grade from Scholastic. Love it still.

[Rob Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short history of Harriet Tubman, and how she helped many slaves reach freedom, and how she nursed the injured and sick during and after the war.

[Ryan Bachmeier]

Book Title: "Wanted Dead or Alive": The True Story of Harriet Tubman
Reading Level: 2.9
Guided: P

Book Summary: This book is the story of Harriet Tubman. At only the age of 7, Harriet was sold to another slave owner to take care of a baby. Ever since she was young, she looked for an opportunity to run away. She knew she did not want to live as a captive slave all of her life. When she heard others talk of the Underground Railroad and freedom in the northern states and Canada, she knew she would one day be free herself. Harriet did make it to the north, but was not satisfied with just being free herself. For the rest of her life, Harriet helped black people get their freedom.

Bookshelf Genre: Biography

Characteristics that support the genre:
The book is a non-fiction book about her life.

Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:

Ideas: The ideas chosen for this book are relatable for young kids and show them how important it is to never give up and to stand up for what they believe in.

Organization: This book is organized very well. It presents information in order of the events that occurred.

Classroom Integration:
This book could be used in the classroom when discussing the civil war and slavery and how many people did not agree with slavery. Would also be a good way to showcase how it’s great to always help others, even when you achieve your own goal.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This non-fiction account of Harriet Tubman's life is informative but not presented in a way that children will enjoy. I think this book would best be utilized in a 3rd - 6th grade classroom being read aloud by the teacher who can pause and add additional information or ask students deeper level discussion questions that can be inferred from the text.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good way to tell students about how Harriet Tubman saved many slaves via the 'underground railroad'. It's a great way to talk about slavery and explain to kids that this actually happened. I think it would be good to use this book when talking about activists in the slavery movement.

[Partridge Public]

mc govern,ann

[Amie Sergio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginner biographical chapter book describing the life of Harriet Tubman. Poor illustrations, not helpful when trying to gain meaning from the text. Text is comprehendable and very descriptive.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outdated and old-fashioned.
UOI Every Life Has a Story

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted dead or Alive: The True of Harriet Tubman by Ann McGovern. New Read. A wonderful and informative adaptation for children, but entertaining enough for adults too.