What do you think?
Rate this book
Ordinary People Change the World
I am Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman's heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the fourteenth picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume focuses on Harriet Tubman's brave heroism as part of the movement to abolish slavery. As one of the key players in the Underground Railroad, she helped enslaved African Americans escape and find freedom.
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume focuses on Harriet Tubman's brave heroism as part of the movement to abolish slavery. As one of the key players in the Underground Railroad, she helped enslaved African Americans escape and find freedom.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
62 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
322 books7,387 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 16, 2018
I am Harriet Tubman – Review & Blog Tour
About: I am Harriet Tubman is a children’s non-fiction picture book written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. It was published on 1/16/18 by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, hardcover, 40 pages. The genres are juvenile non-fiction, biography, and picture books. This book is intended for readers ages 5 to 8 and grades K to 3.
My Experience: I started reading I am Harriet Tubman on 2/3/18 as a story time for my 6 year-old son and we finished it that same day. This book is fantastic! I love introducing my son history, especially an important topic as someone taking action to make a difference. My son and I like the comic strips because it shows history in an interactive way. It feels real when it’s happening in front of you. I like Harriet illustrated as a little girl because kids can easily relate themselves to her, though her short hair makes my son think of her as a boy. I like that the author brings in the close relationships Harriet has with her mom and dad through stories and teachings.
In this book, readers will follow Harriet Tubman as she introduce herself and the concept of slavery. She talks in the first person point of view about how she and her family have been enslaved and about being born with little and not having a choice. There are comics style of conversation to show communications about how slaves are being bought and sold and how families are being separated through human transactions. The comics also shows the brutal ways the slaves are being treated by their masters. As the story move forward, Harriet express her feelings of dislike toward slavery. She made her first escape using the underground railroad to find freedom. After her success with finding freedom, she went back to rescue her families and friends. In the end, her positive actions are recognized by erecting statues and naming schools and parks after her.
This book is very well written. I like the positive encouragement at the end of the book about making hard decisions. I like the timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life. I love that my son get to see her real picture after the read. I like that the author added in the definition for the underground railroad and what being enslaved means. This book is great because it brings upon an important history topic and made it easier for kids to read and understand. Slavery is sad and it brings tears to my eyes as I read this story, but I am grateful that my son can see that changes can happen when someone take actions. This book is excellent and I highly recommend everyone to read it!
Pro: illustrations, Harriet Tubman, comic strips, underground railroad definition, background on slavery, taking action
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Brad Meltzer and publisher Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review. I appreciate the invitation to host a blog tour for this book! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
About: I am Harriet Tubman is a children’s non-fiction picture book written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. It was published on 1/16/18 by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, hardcover, 40 pages. The genres are juvenile non-fiction, biography, and picture books. This book is intended for readers ages 5 to 8 and grades K to 3.
My Experience: I started reading I am Harriet Tubman on 2/3/18 as a story time for my 6 year-old son and we finished it that same day. This book is fantastic! I love introducing my son history, especially an important topic as someone taking action to make a difference. My son and I like the comic strips because it shows history in an interactive way. It feels real when it’s happening in front of you. I like Harriet illustrated as a little girl because kids can easily relate themselves to her, though her short hair makes my son think of her as a boy. I like that the author brings in the close relationships Harriet has with her mom and dad through stories and teachings.
In this book, readers will follow Harriet Tubman as she introduce herself and the concept of slavery. She talks in the first person point of view about how she and her family have been enslaved and about being born with little and not having a choice. There are comics style of conversation to show communications about how slaves are being bought and sold and how families are being separated through human transactions. The comics also shows the brutal ways the slaves are being treated by their masters. As the story move forward, Harriet express her feelings of dislike toward slavery. She made her first escape using the underground railroad to find freedom. After her success with finding freedom, she went back to rescue her families and friends. In the end, her positive actions are recognized by erecting statues and naming schools and parks after her.
This book is very well written. I like the positive encouragement at the end of the book about making hard decisions. I like the timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life. I love that my son get to see her real picture after the read. I like that the author added in the definition for the underground railroad and what being enslaved means. This book is great because it brings upon an important history topic and made it easier for kids to read and understand. Slavery is sad and it brings tears to my eyes as I read this story, but I am grateful that my son can see that changes can happen when someone take actions. This book is excellent and I highly recommend everyone to read it!
Pro: illustrations, Harriet Tubman, comic strips, underground railroad definition, background on slavery, taking action
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Brad Meltzer and publisher Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review. I appreciate the invitation to host a blog tour for this book! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
August 16, 2019
This is a wonderful biography of this woman who I can only think was touched by God. She was hit on the head by a slave owner in a store with some heavy rock and since then she got visions that helped her navigate around slavers and that kept her safe. This book leaves it out, but I went to the Harriet Tubman Museum in MD and she was incredible. She would have a little fit or blank out and get information about people around her and how to go to escape those slave catchers around her. She made many trips back into the heart of the south and she could get out. She never lost a person.
I enjoy these biographies of Brad’s. They are fun for kids and they make you curious about the person’s life. Harriet was truly exceptional and selfless.
The nephew thought this a good story. He couldn’t believe how mean people were. He didn’t like the adults telling Harriet to do those horrible things in slavery. He thought Harriet was cool. The niece wanted to read this too, so they both gave this 4 stars.
I enjoy these biographies of Brad’s. They are fun for kids and they make you curious about the person’s life. Harriet was truly exceptional and selfless.
The nephew thought this a good story. He couldn’t believe how mean people were. He didn’t like the adults telling Harriet to do those horrible things in slavery. He thought Harriet was cool. The niece wanted to read this too, so they both gave this 4 stars.
August 21, 2023
Excellent introduction to Harriet Tubman! This is just the type of book that I would like to see more small children read! We need to teach the next generation who the real 'heroes' are - not playing sports, not in entertainment, not in comic books. One can only imagine what Harriet Tubman could have been if she was given a fair chance - probably the CEO of a global company!
March 30, 2018
I found the text to be engaging and interesting, and not at all condescending. The artwork was a bit dark for my tastes but it's not so dark that it interfered with the story. There are nice little touches on the details, and it helped the text flow. It's informative without being wordy though it's definitely not for toddlers or younger. It's light on personal details and heavy on her accomplishments. Nevertheless, I learned as I read and that made me happy. There's a timeline of major events in her life at the back and a small bibliography of books that Meltzer that used for pursuing a deeper understanding of Ms. Tubman. I really liked how he handled the topic of slavery; I thought he was respectful and honest. He didn't sugarcoat it but neither was he graphic. For instance, there are references to beatings and whippings, we see a whip, but we don't see the whippings, though there are some depictions of violence. If I were still teaching and I was teaching pre-K or older, I'd have the book in my classroom. For children kindergarten age on up to maybe 8 years, depending on the child.I would love to read more in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher for review.
I received a copy from the publisher for review.
June 20, 2022
Harriet Tubman is a truly inspirational figure, so it's great that children have this book to learn about her amazing fortitude and determination. This book isn't afraid to talk about slavery and some of the difficulties slaves faced. Of the books in the series that I have read so far, this is the one that I like the best.
February 13, 2018
Harriet Tubman is a woman who did extraordinary things. Her story is one that needs to be read, and taught. She's a true example of courage. She over came horrendous things, and did some of the most extraordinary things. She changed the world in which is was apart of, even if no one else thought it was possible. She's proof at how one person can and does make a difference. She never gave up, and in doing something so extraordinary, she saved countless people.
Like the other books in this series, this is another incredible story that should be included in libraries, whether at home or school. Young readers will fall in love with history, and discover heroes and heroines who have done some really extraordinary thing. This is one book I highly recommend picking up!
FULL REVIEW https://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2018/...
Like the other books in this series, this is another incredible story that should be included in libraries, whether at home or school. Young readers will fall in love with history, and discover heroes and heroines who have done some really extraordinary thing. This is one book I highly recommend picking up!
FULL REVIEW https://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2018/...
January 5, 2018
We received an oversized promotional copy of this book for the store and, it seemed fitting, because Harriet Tubman was such a larger than life person that people should know about. And, that's why I'm so happy that the Ordinary People Change the World series exists. They are a great way for kids to meet who we consider heroes but were just like them. It's also a great way to discuss what makes a hero a hero and what skills we can nurture in ourselves that can make us extraordinary.
March 8, 2020
A well written resource. One of the best of the series.
December 28, 2017
With more dialogue than some of the others in the series, this biography of Harriet Tubman encapsulates everything strong, powerful, and heroic about her. Discussing her early life in slavery and her escape, she found a way to go back to Maryland and then help other escape and spent her life dedicated and in service to others, even when she had nothing herself.
Inspiring, just as the series is dedicated to showcasing.
Inspiring, just as the series is dedicated to showcasing.
July 26, 2018
3* art
3* story
I'm glad these books are out there, it gives us parents an opportunity to introduce real people from history to our kids - at the same time, it's difficult to write something like this for children. But as an introduction, it was good. There was a line I found very awkward - something like " I will follow Harriet Tubman." I think I know what the author meant, but it came out weird.
3* story
I'm glad these books are out there, it gives us parents an opportunity to introduce real people from history to our kids - at the same time, it's difficult to write something like this for children. But as an introduction, it was good. There was a line I found very awkward - something like " I will follow Harriet Tubman." I think I know what the author meant, but it came out weird.
January 30, 2018
Beautiful. Definitely a few parts of the story that would need major discussion because of how violent her life was, but really well done.
This author and illustrator pair is just incredible.
This author and illustrator pair is just incredible.
January 23, 2019
It’s really good.
I think she is really brave.
Is am happy that I read this book.
I think she is really brave.
Is am happy that I read this book.
January 7, 2020
Wonderful story about an amazing woman!
December 7, 2018
As someone who has read a lot of books aimed at children by the author, it is nice when the author switches up his usual behaviors and does something different, although one wonders why he did this in this case in particular. Most of the time the author does not focus on the old age of someone, but here the author makes it clear to comment on the activities that Harriet Tubman did well into her 90's, including feminist activism. One gets the unsettling feeling that had the subject not been a lifelong political activist that she would not have her life focused on, since the author has an unhealthy appreciation for activism that does not suit the future well-being of children. Likewise, the author here uses a biblical story to point out the relationship between the Old Testament and freedom, but one gets the feeling that the author only points out this religious matter in order to support a leftist political interpretation of religion and history. If the author had talked about the old-age behavior of other subjects or mentioned religion in a way that was not connected to a political agenda, it would be easier to appreciate such elements here.
This particular book gives a fair amount of vividness in discussing the life of black slaves in Maryland society, where Tubman grew up not far away from the free state of Pennsylvania. Facing the threat of being sold downriver after having grown up in slavery, she escaped and then managed to help others escape. The writer clearly relishes his subject here, going into detail about what it was like to be a conductor of the underground railroad, talking about the author's head injury and painting possible illness as prophetic dreaming, and even talking about the spy work Tubman did during the Civil War thanks to her experience. If some of the books in this series are pretty bland, this one has a great deal of verve, in part due to the fact that the author gets to check off so many of his own interests as a writer, including praising activism, talking about the evils of the past, especially insofar as they relate to the South, and talking about spies as well as political agitation. The reader can really tell that this particular life is one that the author appreciates a great deal in its complexity and activity.
Nevertheless, even here the author manages not to include some very pertinent information. Despite being far more complete than most of the books in the series, which leave huge gaps in the life of the people being discussed, in this book the main gap is one that relates to the safety of blacks in the North. As a resident of New York (by no means the most racially tolerant of Northern cities, even in those days), the author probably does not want to discuss the role of the Fugitive Slave Law, which leads the author to be inconsistent when writing about the supposed safety of Tubman and her family and those others she helped free in Pennsylvania and in the fact that most of her family later settled in Canada. To be sure, the author could have explained this, but to do so would have explicitly admitted that the United States passed evil laws, and that would have not played into his political agenda. In a book like this, you can be sure that whatever is mentioned and whatever is not mentioned has a lot to do with the agenda of the author, which happens to be an agenda I do not find myself feeling very positive towards.
This particular book gives a fair amount of vividness in discussing the life of black slaves in Maryland society, where Tubman grew up not far away from the free state of Pennsylvania. Facing the threat of being sold downriver after having grown up in slavery, she escaped and then managed to help others escape. The writer clearly relishes his subject here, going into detail about what it was like to be a conductor of the underground railroad, talking about the author's head injury and painting possible illness as prophetic dreaming, and even talking about the spy work Tubman did during the Civil War thanks to her experience. If some of the books in this series are pretty bland, this one has a great deal of verve, in part due to the fact that the author gets to check off so many of his own interests as a writer, including praising activism, talking about the evils of the past, especially insofar as they relate to the South, and talking about spies as well as political agitation. The reader can really tell that this particular life is one that the author appreciates a great deal in its complexity and activity.
Nevertheless, even here the author manages not to include some very pertinent information. Despite being far more complete than most of the books in the series, which leave huge gaps in the life of the people being discussed, in this book the main gap is one that relates to the safety of blacks in the North. As a resident of New York (by no means the most racially tolerant of Northern cities, even in those days), the author probably does not want to discuss the role of the Fugitive Slave Law, which leads the author to be inconsistent when writing about the supposed safety of Tubman and her family and those others she helped free in Pennsylvania and in the fact that most of her family later settled in Canada. To be sure, the author could have explained this, but to do so would have explicitly admitted that the United States passed evil laws, and that would have not played into his political agenda. In a book like this, you can be sure that whatever is mentioned and whatever is not mentioned has a lot to do with the agenda of the author, which happens to be an agenda I do not find myself feeling very positive towards.
February 15, 2019
S picked this book out from his Scholastic book order this month. He has been interested in Harriet Tubman ever since he visited the Harriet Tubman National Monument on the eastern shore last summer, and his interest was piqued again after a Black History Month presentation at school recently.
I liked this book quite a bit overall. I think the description of Tubman's early life as a slave is effective, in that it doesn't sugarcoat it or attempt to make it palatable for children, yet it's not so frightening as to make me feel like I needed to censor descriptions or storylines for my 6-year-old. The story covers Tubman's childhood, her heroism as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and also her activist work as an older woman. In general it does a good job of condensing a lot of history into a manageable read. It definitely held my 1st grader's attention. L (age 4) wasn't as engaged, but I wouldn't expect her to be at this age because she's not the target audience. F listened in as well, although of course it's all over her head at this point.
My one complaint about this book is that Harriet Tubman is depicted as a child in all of the illustrations. The drawing of her character never changes, even when she's supposed to be an old lady. When she's an adult in the story the other adults all tower over her. Halfway through the story S asked why she still looked like that. I told him, "I think it's because you're supposed to find her more relatable if she looks like a kid," and he said, "Ah, okay," and accepted that answer. Also, there were a couple of spots where text was written in a speech bubble but seemed that it wasn't the character talking and should in fact have been written as narration. That's a minor quibble, though.
This makes a good introduction to Harriet Tubman and the concept of slavery. I would be curious to see what other books in this series are like.
I liked this book quite a bit overall. I think the description of Tubman's early life as a slave is effective, in that it doesn't sugarcoat it or attempt to make it palatable for children, yet it's not so frightening as to make me feel like I needed to censor descriptions or storylines for my 6-year-old. The story covers Tubman's childhood, her heroism as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and also her activist work as an older woman. In general it does a good job of condensing a lot of history into a manageable read. It definitely held my 1st grader's attention. L (age 4) wasn't as engaged, but I wouldn't expect her to be at this age because she's not the target audience. F listened in as well, although of course it's all over her head at this point.
My one complaint about this book is that Harriet Tubman is depicted as a child in all of the illustrations. The drawing of her character never changes, even when she's supposed to be an old lady. When she's an adult in the story the other adults all tower over her. Halfway through the story S asked why she still looked like that. I told him, "I think it's because you're supposed to find her more relatable if she looks like a kid," and he said, "Ah, okay," and accepted that answer. Also, there were a couple of spots where text was written in a speech bubble but seemed that it wasn't the character talking and should in fact have been written as narration. That's a minor quibble, though.
This makes a good introduction to Harriet Tubman and the concept of slavery. I would be curious to see what other books in this series are like.
March 14, 2019
"I am Harriet Tubman. Follow Me. I will lead the way to freedom."
I Am Harriet Tubman is a kid-friendly look into the life of the infamous Harriet Tubman, whom not only 'conducted' the Underground Railroad and helped many slaves reach freedom in the North, but also became the first American woman to lead an army raid in the Civil War.
One of the neat things about the Ordinary People Change the World series is that they are all told in 'first person'. The person of interest (Harriet) narrates her life to us, in both text and thought bubbles. I thought this helped put us right into the story and made reading it a lot more entertaining.
The only odd thing to note is that we start out with the young version of Harriet and even though her life progresses well into old age, she visually never changes and remains as she was on the first page. I kind of like this idea because it helps kids identify with the people in the books and can see themselves doing grown-up things.
This is one of many similar biographies in the Ordinary People Change the World series and I am so glad this series exists. Each illustrates a life that has changed the world for the better.
We have otherwise only read I Am Jane Goodall from this series but are looking forward to more!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature
I Am Harriet Tubman is a kid-friendly look into the life of the infamous Harriet Tubman, whom not only 'conducted' the Underground Railroad and helped many slaves reach freedom in the North, but also became the first American woman to lead an army raid in the Civil War.
One of the neat things about the Ordinary People Change the World series is that they are all told in 'first person'. The person of interest (Harriet) narrates her life to us, in both text and thought bubbles. I thought this helped put us right into the story and made reading it a lot more entertaining.
The only odd thing to note is that we start out with the young version of Harriet and even though her life progresses well into old age, she visually never changes and remains as she was on the first page. I kind of like this idea because it helps kids identify with the people in the books and can see themselves doing grown-up things.
This is one of many similar biographies in the Ordinary People Change the World series and I am so glad this series exists. Each illustrates a life that has changed the world for the better.
We have otherwise only read I Am Jane Goodall from this series but are looking forward to more!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature
February 23, 2018
In first person voice, Harriet Tubman explains to readers the evils she and others experienced as slaves. Overcoming steep odds, Tubman escaped to freedom in the North. Then, incredibly, she returned thirteen times to free nearly seventy family and friends with the help of the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s exploits did not end with her role leading slaves to freedom; she also served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and campaigned for women to have the right to vote. Despite the harsh subject, the tone is lightened through the use of cartoony dialog bubbles. I did find the decision to portray Tubman as a child even as she grows up and grows old to be disconcerting. I suspect that kids will either love it because it makes Tubman seem more like them or be confused by it. The book ends by encouraging readers to follow in Tubman’s footsteps by doing the right thing even when it is hard, provides photos and a timeline of Tubman’s life, and provides a short list of sources.
October 7, 2018
This story is about Harriet Tubman. She helped slaves run to freedom and away from their owners. She helped slaves escape on the underground railroad for 13 years. She helped 70 slaves escape. Harriet Tubman fought to end slavery. I thought this book was so neat. The author gave the reader a lot of information in such a short book. I enjoyed it and learned more about Harriet Tubman from this book. I think this book could be used in the classroom to show determination and going after what you believe is right. I think there are several lessons you could learn from Harriet Tubman. Obviously, it could also be used for talking about her.
August 17, 2019
Harriet Tubman is an American figure that most know as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. But what was she thinking about on her long treks to freedom? Was she scared of being caught? Did she contemplate the sounds of the rivers she crossed?
Brad Meltzer has once again taken a historical figure and made them accessible by having them set into situations that today's young will identify with. Each volume in the series teaches us about a historical figure as well as words of wisdom.
Brad Meltzer has once again taken a historical figure and made them accessible by having them set into situations that today's young will identify with. Each volume in the series teaches us about a historical figure as well as words of wisdom.
January 17, 2018
I love all of the books in the Ordinary People Changed the World series. I am Harriet Tubman is perfect for younger children to explain slavery and the Underground Railroad without being too graphic for this age. The importance of what Harriet Tubman did is protrayed beautifully as well as the risk her actions had for her own safety. What a strong courageous woman role model she is.
January 19, 2018
Dark and poignant history, but an ugly truth that needs to be told, especially during these times. Once again, Meltzer knocks it out of the park. I can't wait to share these with my daughter when she is better able to understand. For now, I'm more than content in reading this series for myself. Way to go, Brad.
March 24, 2018
I like these books. They are excellent introduction to some truly extraordinary people. It is a wide range of people - there are men, women, entertainers, scientists, civil rights leaders, etc. I get the idea behind having the subject look like a kid throughout the whole story but it does make it difficult to figure out a timeline.
June 4, 2018
I really love all of the books in this series, but this Harriet Tubman one is my new favorite. Absolutely darling book! I love the little Harriet illustration. So cute! Meltzer did such a good job of explaining slavery and the underground railroad. I will use this book often in the future to teach about those difficult topics for children to understand. Great read!
June 22, 2018
4.75
Harriet Tubman is easily one of my favorite people in history. This book makes her amazing story accessible to children and adults. The story does justice to her unbelievable life and inspirational deeds.
Harriet Tubman is easily one of my favorite people in history. This book makes her amazing story accessible to children and adults. The story does justice to her unbelievable life and inspirational deeds.
December 3, 2018
I read this to my students, and they kept asking out loud why there girl didn't grow up, since she stayed the same height in the book. They thought she was really short.
Otherwise, full of great information and interesting format with some pages in the style of a graphic novel.
Otherwise, full of great information and interesting format with some pages in the style of a graphic novel.
February 27, 2019
I enjoyed reading to my daughter about Harriet Tubman. Whenever I can I teach her about strong women of history and Harriet Tubman is one of the strongest I know. My daughter loved learning about her and asked a lot of questions, which is always a good thing.
March 5, 2018
Part of the Ordinary People Change the World Series - a series of biographies for young children.
October 11, 2018
The Ordinary People Change the World series-Harriet Tubman and her life during slavery and her role with the underground railroad- great graphic novel like panels.
November 13, 2018
I learned something new every day. This book was cute. Learn new things I did know about.
Read
February 25, 2019This biography is great for students in 3-5 classrooms because of the themes throughout the book. This biography follows the life of Harriet Tubman and her impact as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad during the 19th century. The book depicts Harriet Tubman for the heroine she was and the bravery and courage she displayed during such a dangerous time. With all of the odds against her, Harriet escaped to freedom and used her freedom to help others in ways many other people would not.
This book would be perfect to introduce a social studies unit, especially since it provides an alternate view on history instead of just reading text from a school textbook. I could use this book to introduce a "history museum" activity and project to my class. Students will be able to pick a historical figure they want to research and become an "expert" on. On the final day of the project students will dress up as their historical figure and present their project to the class.
I could also incorporate this book into a history lesson or unit on the Civil War. The students will get the chance to learn about the Civil War from the perspective of a slave, instead of reading it from the viewpoint presented in a textbook. We can talk about how the war began, what its implementations were and how life was after the war.
This was a WOW book for me because unlike many biographies it was not presented as boring, factual text. "I Am Harriet Tubman" had wonderful cartoon illustrations throughout that went perfectly with the text and were extremely eye-catching. It is a perfect way to re-tell history in an engaging and exciting way.
This book would be perfect to introduce a social studies unit, especially since it provides an alternate view on history instead of just reading text from a school textbook. I could use this book to introduce a "history museum" activity and project to my class. Students will be able to pick a historical figure they want to research and become an "expert" on. On the final day of the project students will dress up as their historical figure and present their project to the class.
I could also incorporate this book into a history lesson or unit on the Civil War. The students will get the chance to learn about the Civil War from the perspective of a slave, instead of reading it from the viewpoint presented in a textbook. We can talk about how the war began, what its implementations were and how life was after the war.
This was a WOW book for me because unlike many biographies it was not presented as boring, factual text. "I Am Harriet Tubman" had wonderful cartoon illustrations throughout that went perfectly with the text and were extremely eye-catching. It is a perfect way to re-tell history in an engaging and exciting way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews