Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, Inspired by Historical Facts

by Nikki Grimes, Michele Wood (Illustrator)

Nikki Grimes offers a glimpse into the inspiring lives of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, with breathtaking illustrations by Michele Wood!

What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create CHASING FREEDOM, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century's most powerful, and inspiring, American women. With breathtaking illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood, CHASING FREEDOM richly imagines the experiences of Tubman and Anthony, set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Women's Suffrage Movement. Additional back matter invites curious young readers to further explore this period in history--and the larger-than-life figures who lived it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Womens, Historical, African American, Social Justice

56 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2015

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always considered these women and their stories individually, and have typically been taught them as such. I never considered that they were not only contemporaries, but about the same age and would have been affected perhaps in some similar ways by the major historical events of their lives. What a great idea to imagine a conversation between them! It's like something Plato would do. This is quite a remarkable book, and it gets better as it goes along.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy: ARC from publisher

In the author's note, she explains that it interested her that these two women knew each other. She imagined what their conversation might be like and told that story based on their actions and recorded words.

It's an interesting way to deliver information, but I'm not sure that it is lively enough for most young readers on their own. It would be a great resource for a teacher to use though. There is a lot of information here and the relationships between so many well known figures is neat to see.

Originally, I thought this was a nonfiction picture book, but it is actually historical fiction.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features an imagined conversation between two powerful and charismatic women, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, sitting down to "exchange battle stories" just prior to the kickoff of the 28th Annual Convention of the New York State Suffrage Association.

They trade vignettes of their very different experiences championing for women's rights, rescuing slaves, and inspiring others to take up their causes. While this story only hypothesizes the conversation that they might have had when their paths crossed, it is not a wholly unlikely possibility that such a meeting might have actually occurred.

The acrylic and oil paint illustrations were "inspired by numerous symbols, geometric designs found in American patchwork quilts, and African motif patterns." The characters are very expressive and the images are nicely detailed, but the people have a very angular and sometimes even grotesque appearance (e.g., the people in profile on p. 43) that is not to my taste.

Overall, it's a very informative book that is not boring or overwhelming with facts. Despite numerous other books about each of these women, I expect that most will learn something new or interesting within these pages.

Older children will likely wonder about the possibility of these two historical figures meeting for tea and I would like to think it did happen. I really appreciated the additional pages of information, including short biographies, notes, and a bibliography which helped to inform the author during her research.

interesting quotes:

"'Lord knows, it's our hearts that drive us!' said Harriet." (p. 14)

"'I've heard you speak many a time,' said Harriet. 'And that voice of yours is sharp enough to slice bread and smooth enough to butter it.'" (p. 22)

"So I continue speaking, and will speak for the rights of my people, and the rights of women, as long as God gives me breath." (p. 48)

[QueenAmidala28 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this children's picture book a 3 for the outstanding artistry of the illustrator. I couldn't stand the "meeting" of the two characters though. Tubman was a hard working runaway slave wouldn't have time to go to "tea" with anyone especially not Ms. Anthony. Couldn't get past the boring language either. I know I am not the writers target audience but this definitely isn't for me.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as a family. I cannot recommend this book enough! I loved how both Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony talked about how God led them to their callings. Their stories were remarkable! We love both of these amazing and strong women! I’m so grateful for their example in feeling a call from God and listening to fulfill their calling! They are both great examples!

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Grimes cleverly weaves together the stories of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, who did know each other and worked together on aspects of our coutry’s freedoms.

[Rachel Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the greatest historical fiction books I have ever read. The way Grimes laid out the characteristics of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony's lives in the form of stories told between the characters made the whole book engaging! Many other historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln were mentioned, and Frederick Douglass was brought into the story as well in a division called "Frederick Comes to Dinner." I learned a lot of facts about history from this book because it is based on real historical events and facts. Also, if you're feeling like diving into some more of the background on the history found in the book, there is a "Biographies" section and an "Additional Notes" section as well.

[Allison Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply stated, I loved this book from the first page. Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman take center stage in this book. Skillful written dialogue in a causal, yet historical text. I loved the conversations between the two women throughout the book. I thought the book was great to use in the comparison between these two women and human rights activists. The illustrations in the book enhanced the story and brought the book to life. As a woman, I would recommend this a must read to any young girls. Inspiring and truly a clever piece of work.

[Cheyenne Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki Grimes did a wonderful job of portraying the lives of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony in conversation format. This book was very informative and gave more insight into these two remarkable women's lives. I would suggest this book to readers who are wanting to learn about significant women of history, women's rights, slavery, and civil rights. I have done a report over Susan B. Anthony before but seeing her life put into conversation helped bring my existing knowledge full circle. This was a great book and would recommended it to others.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Grimes has come up with a unique way to introduce young readers to two important women in American history in this historical fiction picture book for older readers. She based her story in reality, at the 1904 Women's Suffrage Convention held in Rochester, NY (Grimes writes in the Author's Note that she could not discover when this convention was held and so she arbitrarily chose November). Susan B Anthony was scheduled to speak and Harriet Tubman had planned on attending the convention, but ended up speaking about her life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad to the attendees after being introduced by Anthony.

Since there is no record of this meeting, Grimes has created an imagined meeting and conversation over tea at Anthony's home between the two women. In alternating vignettes, each woman talks and reminisces about her life as am activists, recalling the dangers, the joys, the sorrows and the rewards. Tubman tells Anthony about slavery and how she, once she freed herself, felt it was her duty to help others find freedom.

In between, Anthony tells Tubman about the family support she received that helped her learn to speak out for reform, especially for women, and about the dangers she also faced when speaking out or about unpopular topics.

Through their conversation, the reader begins to acquire a firm idea of what these two women accomplished, that will hopefully inspire young people to seek more in-depth information about them. It is also interesting to hear them speaking about other well-known figures from their time, men like Frederick Douglas and John Brown. There is just so much food for thought in this picture book, it will definitely take more than one reading to cull it all, but it is so worthwhile.

The acrylic and oil painted folk art style illustrations are so perfectly suited to the time period, done in a palette of rich colors from 19th century America and resembling a old handmade quilt. Be sure to study each one closely.

The back matter shouldn't be ignored, either. There are short biographies of each person mentioned in the book, additional notes, a useful biography and an Author's Note, all contributing additional information to the main part of the book.

I love that Grimes used an imaginary conversation to present so much information and to make the lives of these women stand out in such an exciting way, making this a work that should not be missed.

And Grimes has also done an extensive Classroom Guide for teachers and homeschooling, which can be found HERE

This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL

This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have so many issues with this book, but I still feel bad about giving it such a low star rating, because I love Nikki Grimes and appreciate her intent. I think it would be beneficial to have included a timeline at the end of the book. As Nikki stated in her Author's Note, the way American history education is taught, we do not realize who knows who during historical periods. For children, a timeline showing events in both women's lives would have helped illustrate it further. Speaking of illustrating... I am not a fan of the artwork. All I could think of is "This is giving the impression that important women are ugly and creepy-looking, instead of emphasizing the beauty in their courage and strength." Take a look at Kadir Nelson's art of Harriet Tubman and you will see what I had hoped for. As for the dialogue and writing... It read like two people not listening or conversing with each other, but rather putting on a show for whoever is "watching." Because of this, they seemed cold and fake - something historical fiction tries to be the opposite of. I can see where this book has its roots in Nikki's experience in the theatre group she refers to in her Author's Note, but it does not translate as well in historical fiction as it may on the stage. I am afraid that no matter how many awards the book gets, children will not enjoy it on their own and it will ultimately be just another abandoned book the library weeds in a few years.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for reader's theater or a series of alternating dramatic monologues, this picture book imagines that civil rights heroines Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony chatted about their lives over tea in Anthony's home in 1904. Since the women's suffrage champion was to introduce the woman known as Moses at the 28th annual convention of New York's Suffrage Association, such a meeting could have taken place although it didn't. Both women come alive under the warm, confident hands of Grimes who uses their chat to describe the various adventures both women had as they worked hard to bring about social and legal changes in the world around them. The dialogue never seems forced, but flows exactly as a conversation between two famous individual who are comparing life notes might have. The text is pitch-perfect, and the acrylic and oil paint illustrations, are memorable, filled with images reminiscent of shapes and symbols found in many quilt patterns. It's impossible not to be moved and inspired by this glimpse into these two women's journeys, and as Grimes points out in her Author's Note, it's worth being reminded of the link between many famous historical figures. After all, history's events did not occur in isolation or in discretely separate moments. Often, one event begat another or one person influences another.

[Kretesha Cotton]

Text-to-Text Connection November 29,2016

This book reminds me of Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom.In this book Harriet Tubman is meeting with Susan B Anthony talking about being free. In Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Harriet Tubman is talking to GOD as she is making the decision to be free. In both books both women are talking about having faith and being free.

[LP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to transition from abolition movement to women's rights movement. This book covers the major events and players of both movements, and reveals the many overlaps.
I'm inspired to contemplate other hypothetical tea party/story swapping sessions. This is how we (and children) learn history: story telling.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read. The story is based in fact and was really well done.

[Ta'Mya Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, "Chasing Freedom" by Nikki Grimes, is a book represents the lives if the two women Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. They are having a conversation and getting each other's perspective and thoughts about their lives and what they want to do and will continue to do. Although this book is fiction, it represents how it may have been if they would have had a conversation together. I think it's interesting because it represents many things. For example, it shows this idea of unity. During the times when they were living, there was a lot of division going on. By having a black and white person come together with no judgement and with a heart full of love just shows that people can come together despite their differences. This is why I would use this book in a classroom. I want to show my students that unity is important, but it's also important to embrace the differences we have, not to ignore them.

[Kinlee Brown]

Chasing Freedom is about the lives of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. It is based on the real events of their life and how they were activists for change. Harriet felt the call from the Lord to free her people. Susan and her family wanted freedom. This book is written as if it was narrated by them both and takes you on their journey.

I liked this book because it was written by a very talented author, Nikki Grimes. In 2014 she won the Coretta Scott King award and honors for some of her other writings. She puts an interesting twist on real life events. In this book, she was creative in wondering what it would be like if Tubman and Anthony talked through their lives over a cup of tea.

I would but this book in the classroom to teach about events in history. Kids need to know about the struggles so many had to face and are still facing to have freedom. This book is a little lengthy and has lots of different events in it so it could be read over time.

[Rachel Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching Harriet, I was looking to gather more information on the life and times of Harriet Tubman. I liked this picture book, designed for upper elementary readers (both in terms of vocabulary, amount of words per page, and length), and I liked it even more after reading Nikki Grimes' author's note. It is clear that this is an imagined conversation, although inspired by historical facts. The back matter includes extensive mini-biographies of many characters mentioned, along with other "additional notes" (Quakers, temperance movement, etc.). Good supplement to the time period - as Grimes mentions in her note, many of us study these historical figures independently, rather than in relation to one another. I enjoyed this unique approach. The art was nice; very consistent.

[Lydia Boverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is brought through the eyes of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony telling each other their life works and what God had called them to do to try to help end slavery, stop men from excessively drinking/hurting their wives and children, and earning women the right to vote. This book was just so enlightening to "hear it from their point of view." To hear how they had gone above and beyond, not stopping because of danger or fear.

This book could be used in the classroom through teaching of what it was like for slaves and women trying to earn their own kinds of freedom and the endless efforts and deaths it took for it to become true and evident among the United States of America.

[Destiny Leskovac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chasing Freedom is an interesting fiction story based on true facts and events. In the story, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony are visiting each other and discussing various events that have occurred in their lives. Each woman offers her own opinions and views on the various matters. The illustrations depict several of the events they discuss, which do a wonderful job of offering insight into the events and the feelings of those experiencing them. This book is a wonderful way to present historically accurate information without the use of a dry, boring textbook.

[Nicole Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a glimpse into what a relationship between Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman might have looked like if they were to sit down and talk about each of their accomplishments. At times it was hard to know what was truth and what was fiction, so that was a downside. It would've been nice if the author had put asterisks next to parts that were fictional, or explanations on each page about what was true and what was speculation. The illustrations were beautiful. There were times it got a little boring for my kids, just because it had a lot of long words they didn't understand and there were a lot of words on each page.

[Barbara Langlois · Rating 2 out of 5]

3+ stars for the historical facts pertaining to the lives of Harriet Tubman and Susan B Anthony. I found the imagined conversation between them to be stilted; it did not flow as a normal conversation would. For instance, at one point, Harriet is allegedly speaking about making a home for her family in Canada where they would be “safe under the paw of the British Lion”. Under the paw of the British Lion? I doubt Harriet Tubman or anyone else of that time would make such a reference.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an afternoon tea conversation between suffragette Susan B. Anthony and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman the women take turns relating interconnected stories from their lives, revealing personal turning points in each woman's life and major historical events. Handsomely designed and illustrated.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginary meeting between Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. Even though there is no historical record of a meeting between these two powerful women, they both were alive at the same time. This conversation is very well-done and it highlights the essential messages of both of these brave women.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical look at two of my favorite women. Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony are both impressive. I liked the idea of them having this conversation and what they might’ve said to each other.

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on a book that teaches all about historical event regarding slavery and women's rights.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever book that makes history fun! It made me think of these people in a new way.

[Sharie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the intertwining of stories; we rarely get to see how parts of history effect each other

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this were part of a novel, we'd say it was an info dump. Just doesn't feel like a real conversation.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Susan B Anthony steals the conversation here