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The Underground Railroad #3
The Tubman Train
"I can't die but once!"
This was the rallying cry of Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her name is legendary, but many don’t know Harriet’s full story.
The Tubman Train starts with her dramatic early years, including the pivotal day when she began having visions from God-visions of flying North. The story follows Harriet through her own escape in 1849 and the beginning of her work as the “She-Moses,” culminating in the dramatic attempt to rescue her brothers.
The Tubman Train is the first novel to explore the complicated relationship between Harriet and her brothers, as she faced obstacle after obstacle in bringing them to freedom. It also explores the deep faith of Harriet Tubman and the excruciating decision that every slave faced-whether to put it all on the line to run North.
Climb aboard The Tubman Train and hang on for an intense and memorable ride.
“God’s time is always near. He gave me my strength, and He
Set the North Star in the heavens; He meant I should be free.”
-Harriet Tubman
This was the rallying cry of Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her name is legendary, but many don’t know Harriet’s full story.
The Tubman Train starts with her dramatic early years, including the pivotal day when she began having visions from God-visions of flying North. The story follows Harriet through her own escape in 1849 and the beginning of her work as the “She-Moses,” culminating in the dramatic attempt to rescue her brothers.
The Tubman Train is the first novel to explore the complicated relationship between Harriet and her brothers, as she faced obstacle after obstacle in bringing them to freedom. It also explores the deep faith of Harriet Tubman and the excruciating decision that every slave faced-whether to put it all on the line to run North.
Climb aboard The Tubman Train and hang on for an intense and memorable ride.
“God’s time is always near. He gave me my strength, and He
Set the North Star in the heavens; He meant I should be free.”
-Harriet Tubman
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
286 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 11, 2021
This is one of those books that you wonder why a traditional publisher hasn't picked it up quite yet because honesty it should be.
Peterson's Underground Railroad series is based on the true stories of slaves who escaped slavery. The first is about the Crafts, the second Henry "Box" Brown. Peterson also has a series about African American spies during the Civil War.
This book, about Harriet Tubman and her family, straddles that area between teen and adult. While Peterson does not shy away from the harshness of slavery - for instance Harriet is whipped, characters mention abuses, including both physical and sexual, - he also does not describe it graphically. There are pluses and minuses to this - there are legitimate reasons why the brutality of slavery should be graphically depicted; but the lack of graphic violence also gives the book a wider audience.
What I like about this book is that while Peterson focuses on Tubman, the book is really about her whole family - particularly her parents and her brothers. Peterson does a good job of exploring how the family deals with Harriet's visions. The earlier part of the book details Harriet's early life, and perhaps he spends a bit too much time there - however it does an excellent job of showcasing the family and Harriet's character. When Harriet determines to flee and then determines to return to save her family, the book picks up.
The book isn't about the whole of Tubman's life; it focuses on her childhood, and then her saving her brothers. There is a epilogue that takes place after the Civil War, but Tubman's actions during the war are mentioned in passing and not the scope of the book.
For parts of the book, I found myself thinking a whether or not Peterson had read Ar'n't I a Woman?: Female Slaves in the Plantation South, especially in regards to Tubman's mother I do wish he had included a source or further reading bit at the end.
It might not be the best book ever, but it is enough that I want to read the others in the series as well as his series about the spies in the Civil War.
Peterson's Underground Railroad series is based on the true stories of slaves who escaped slavery. The first is about the Crafts, the second Henry "Box" Brown. Peterson also has a series about African American spies during the Civil War.
This book, about Harriet Tubman and her family, straddles that area between teen and adult. While Peterson does not shy away from the harshness of slavery - for instance Harriet is whipped, characters mention abuses, including both physical and sexual, - he also does not describe it graphically. There are pluses and minuses to this - there are legitimate reasons why the brutality of slavery should be graphically depicted; but the lack of graphic violence also gives the book a wider audience.
What I like about this book is that while Peterson focuses on Tubman, the book is really about her whole family - particularly her parents and her brothers. Peterson does a good job of exploring how the family deals with Harriet's visions. The earlier part of the book details Harriet's early life, and perhaps he spends a bit too much time there - however it does an excellent job of showcasing the family and Harriet's character. When Harriet determines to flee and then determines to return to save her family, the book picks up.
The book isn't about the whole of Tubman's life; it focuses on her childhood, and then her saving her brothers. There is a epilogue that takes place after the Civil War, but Tubman's actions during the war are mentioned in passing and not the scope of the book.
For parts of the book, I found myself thinking a whether or not Peterson had read Ar'n't I a Woman?: Female Slaves in the Plantation South, especially in regards to Tubman's mother I do wish he had included a source or further reading bit at the end.
It might not be the best book ever, but it is enough that I want to read the others in the series as well as his series about the spies in the Civil War.
March 9, 2021
It seemed particularly fitting that I finished reading this book on the International Day of The Woman.
I doubt that there's anyone in the United States who has never heard of Harriet Tubman. She was an illiterate escaped slave, who in turn rescued more than 70 of her fellow slaves from bondage and into freedom.
This novel starts with her at approximately age 7 and carries on through about age 80. We see some of the better-documented incidents of her life, such as her narcolepsy, as well as some based solely in legend. The author has a note at the end about which incidents were elaborated upon for story-telling purposes, which were absolutely real, and which were made up entirely.
The author also includes a brief bibliography at the end for those who may be interested in learning more.
In any event, this is a well-executed piece of historical fiction about a woman of color who is deserving of hero status. Highly recommended.
I doubt that there's anyone in the United States who has never heard of Harriet Tubman. She was an illiterate escaped slave, who in turn rescued more than 70 of her fellow slaves from bondage and into freedom.
This novel starts with her at approximately age 7 and carries on through about age 80. We see some of the better-documented incidents of her life, such as her narcolepsy, as well as some based solely in legend. The author has a note at the end about which incidents were elaborated upon for story-telling purposes, which were absolutely real, and which were made up entirely.
The author also includes a brief bibliography at the end for those who may be interested in learning more.
In any event, this is a well-executed piece of historical fiction about a woman of color who is deserving of hero status. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2021
"The Tubman Train" (2020) by Doug Peterson is a somewhat interesting fictional account about the life of famous slave liberator Harriet Tubman. The novel is well-written but spends far too much time on Tubman’s early life and on numerous other secondary characters for me to give it more than a mild recommendation.
April 1, 2024
Semi-fictional account of an amazing woman who played her part on the 1860’s road to freedom
Harriet Tubman is a name that rings a vague bell to many, but the details elude because she isn’t front and center in many historical recounting of the pre-Civil War of the 1860’s.
The fact that the author brings her to the forefront of our attention is laudable. You’ll find this book to be an easy read and, by the end, you’ll appreciate knowing a little bit more about Harriet Tubman’s efforts to open the road to freedom from slavery
So why only 3 stars? To me, the story missed depth that comes from descriptions that put you in the geography of the place right alongside the characters. In short, there was a little too much telling about Harriet and not enough showing me what she went through. What I’m left with is an arm’s length appreciation and no vivid visual recall of the story I just read.
Do I recommend it? Sure!
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely, because rounding out my pre and post Civil War knowledge is intriguing.
Am I going out to buy copies for my friends and call it a ‘must read’? That’s a pass.
Harriet Tubman is a name that rings a vague bell to many, but the details elude because she isn’t front and center in many historical recounting of the pre-Civil War of the 1860’s.
The fact that the author brings her to the forefront of our attention is laudable. You’ll find this book to be an easy read and, by the end, you’ll appreciate knowing a little bit more about Harriet Tubman’s efforts to open the road to freedom from slavery
So why only 3 stars? To me, the story missed depth that comes from descriptions that put you in the geography of the place right alongside the characters. In short, there was a little too much telling about Harriet and not enough showing me what she went through. What I’m left with is an arm’s length appreciation and no vivid visual recall of the story I just read.
Do I recommend it? Sure!
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely, because rounding out my pre and post Civil War knowledge is intriguing.
Am I going out to buy copies for my friends and call it a ‘must read’? That’s a pass.
April 5, 2021
A Great Novel About the Life of Harriet Tubman!
This is a novel, based on the life and work of Harriet Tubman. It is a fictional account but deals with her birth, childhood, and adult life. Harriet was named Araminta but called Minty. Her parents were slaves and she grew up as a slave. After she grew up she decided to help other slaves escape slavery by beginning what is called the underground railroad. She helped many slaves escape slavery by walking north to where slavery did not exist. It was on one of her first trips north that she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. She liked the name Harriet and Tubman was the last name of the slave she wanted to marry.
I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the Underground Railroad series that I have reviewed. I will soon read and probably review the third and last.book of the series. I enjoy historical books.
This is a novel, based on the life and work of Harriet Tubman. It is a fictional account but deals with her birth, childhood, and adult life. Harriet was named Araminta but called Minty. Her parents were slaves and she grew up as a slave. After she grew up she decided to help other slaves escape slavery by beginning what is called the underground railroad. She helped many slaves escape slavery by walking north to where slavery did not exist. It was on one of her first trips north that she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. She liked the name Harriet and Tubman was the last name of the slave she wanted to marry.
I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the Underground Railroad series that I have reviewed. I will soon read and probably review the third and last.book of the series. I enjoy historical books.
April 20, 2021
I think that this book was written more for a high school or college student. It didn't recount too much new about Harriet Tubman. I am amazed that she was able to return south after escaping the first time. One hundred miles on foot is really daunting when the patty rollers, as they were called, were constantly on the lookout for escaped slaves. She spent time in Baltimore and Philly as she plotted how to help enslaved Africans gain freedom. Thank goodness for the Quakers and their efforts to form the backbone of the Underground Railroad. I am just mystified by how Slave owners took advantage of the women that they owned. We were not good enough to vote but when the lights went out...
March 6, 2021
Engrossing middle grade story of a remarkable woman who changed history and the lives of many with her determination, strength, and faith.
While some parts are fictionalized slightly, the Author’s Note confirmed that most of the escapes and details are true, and indicated which details/characters were added/edited for plot or timeline.
Hard to read at times - slavery is a sickening stain on our nation’s character, and we still do not live in a truly equitable, racism-free society - but much of the danger is hinted at/alluded to due to the target audience.
While some parts are fictionalized slightly, the Author’s Note confirmed that most of the escapes and details are true, and indicated which details/characters were added/edited for plot or timeline.
Hard to read at times - slavery is a sickening stain on our nation’s character, and we still do not live in a truly equitable, racism-free society - but much of the danger is hinted at/alluded to due to the target audience.
April 27, 2021
I had heard of Harriet Tubman. This book, The Tubman Train, brings her to life. From a spunky seven-year-old to a woman who led more than eighty people to freedom, Harriet Tubman was a woman with a mission. Harriet was a tiny woman, only five feet tall, but there was no stopping her. She was a religious woman, who prayed her away through danger. After repeated dreams of flying North, which she believed were visions from God, she ran away from her slave master, and escaped to Philadelphia. That was just the beginning of The Tubman Train.
The story of The Tubman Train flowed so easily from chapter to chapter, it was difficult to stop reading. Harriet Tubman and her family were multi-dimensional people. The book showed that the decision to escape slavery and travel north was complicated and often meant leaving family members behind. The book also recognizes the courage of the Quakers and the abolitionists, who sheltered the slaves. But most of all, it highlights the intelligence and bravery of the slaves, many of whom had to be convinced that slavery was possible.
I loved this book and was inspired by Harriet's courage and determination. Although the book is aimed at young readers, I recommend it for adults as well. It is a history book for all ages. It is a book that emphasizes that risks are worth taking, and that even the most difficult endeavors are possible. "I cannot die but once!" That was Harriet's battle cry, her personal mantra. But her story lives on. She is an American hero.
The story of The Tubman Train flowed so easily from chapter to chapter, it was difficult to stop reading. Harriet Tubman and her family were multi-dimensional people. The book showed that the decision to escape slavery and travel north was complicated and often meant leaving family members behind. The book also recognizes the courage of the Quakers and the abolitionists, who sheltered the slaves. But most of all, it highlights the intelligence and bravery of the slaves, many of whom had to be convinced that slavery was possible.
I loved this book and was inspired by Harriet's courage and determination. Although the book is aimed at young readers, I recommend it for adults as well. It is a history book for all ages. It is a book that emphasizes that risks are worth taking, and that even the most difficult endeavors are possible. "I cannot die but once!" That was Harriet's battle cry, her personal mantra. But her story lives on. She is an American hero.
January 27, 2021
Great information
I enjoy stories of the Underground Railroad. I respect the courage, strength, and perseverance the slaves had in order to undertake this journey. Although Harriet Tubman is well known as The General in many novels, none depict her and her family in as much detail as this book. I am eager to read more of the series. This one certainly earned a 5 star rating.
I enjoy stories of the Underground Railroad. I respect the courage, strength, and perseverance the slaves had in order to undertake this journey. Although Harriet Tubman is well known as The General in many novels, none depict her and her family in as much detail as this book. I am eager to read more of the series. This one certainly earned a 5 star rating.
April 1, 2024
Great
So loved Minty all 5ft tall and bigger than life itself. She was a strong, a bit of everything but most of all a very caring person deep down in her heart. Minty changes her name to Harriet and becomes a legend in her works of saving slaves and helping them to freedom. I loved the story….
So loved Minty all 5ft tall and bigger than life itself. She was a strong, a bit of everything but most of all a very caring person deep down in her heart. Minty changes her name to Harriet and becomes a legend in her works of saving slaves and helping them to freedom. I loved the story….
February 21, 2021
Excellent easy read on Harriet’s heroic family
Fierce spirit in a tiny woman is the way Harriet Tubman met her challenges head on. Faith was a driving force, but her instincts for survival have inspired us all.
Fierce spirit in a tiny woman is the way Harriet Tubman met her challenges head on. Faith was a driving force, but her instincts for survival have inspired us all.
February 22, 2021
Great historical fiction on Harriet Tubman
Loved this book. The storyline and characters were very real like...made me feel like I was there. I've always been fascinated withe the Underground Railroad...reading this story has me interested in more.
Loved this book. The storyline and characters were very real like...made me feel like I was there. I've always been fascinated withe the Underground Railroad...reading this story has me interested in more.
February 22, 2021
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Being a Black Christian gave me a history of the slave trade to some extent. However, in 2021 Black History Month's recommendations I have found a wealth of more understanding and empathy for those that endured.
March 29, 2021
Harriet Tubman, a remarkable woman!
There is far more to Harriet Tubman's story than I ever imagined. Her story kept me spellbound and enamored of her bravery and trust in God. What a thought provoking read!
There is far more to Harriet Tubman's story than I ever imagined. Her story kept me spellbound and enamored of her bravery and trust in God. What a thought provoking read!
June 13, 2021
John Tubman
What an incredible life! What an incredible story! The story of Harriet Tubman takes the reader on an adventure filled with intrigue, fear, and resilience .The history behind Harriet 's story will fill you with awe.
What an incredible life! What an incredible story! The story of Harriet Tubman takes the reader on an adventure filled with intrigue, fear, and resilience .The history behind Harriet 's story will fill you with awe.
June 14, 2021
The Series
This was an enlightened adventure. Its a creation of what was history that should be told but is only given in snippets. Harriet Tubman was and always will be that force (justice, prayer,power).
This was an enlightened adventure. Its a creation of what was history that should be told but is only given in snippets. Harriet Tubman was and always will be that force (justice, prayer,power).
July 1, 2022
One woman army. She saved many.
I live in upstate New York where Harriet Tubman is known and remembered by many. Each year she is celebrated by those living in the location where she is most remembered.
I live in upstate New York where Harriet Tubman is known and remembered by many. Each year she is celebrated by those living in the location where she is most remembered.
April 5, 2024
A Remarkable book
This book had so much information about slavery. This was faith in God and thy desire for freedom. The blacks had so many sufferings and yet they were always respectful. I would recommend everyone read this great story. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book had so much information about slavery. This was faith in God and thy desire for freedom. The blacks had so many sufferings and yet they were always respectful. I would recommend everyone read this great story. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
May 6, 2024
The Tubman
Interesting story regarding Ms. Tubman and how she was known as Minty, but later changed her name to Harris Tubman and one fact that she was ready to give her life for the vision she had received from God!
Interesting story regarding Ms. Tubman and how she was known as Minty, but later changed her name to Harris Tubman and one fact that she was ready to give her life for the vision she had received from God!
December 5, 2024
freedom
Nice account of the life of Harriett Tubman and all she went through and the many experiences in a life well lived, even when times were challenging. Very inspiring, especially her love and dedication to the Lord.
Nice account of the life of Harriett Tubman and all she went through and the many experiences in a life well lived, even when times were challenging. Very inspiring, especially her love and dedication to the Lord.
August 25, 2025
The Tubman Train
All I can say is that this book kept me engaged and sometimes scared for the characters. How can anyone reading the adventures of Harriet Tubman treat people so badly and cruel.
All I can say is that this book kept me engaged and sometimes scared for the characters. How can anyone reading the adventures of Harriet Tubman treat people so badly and cruel.
January 4, 2026
What a great read on Harriet Tubman! The author was articulate in providing details of the situations and actions. I sure wish the author's books were available in the libraries. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Read
February 17, 2021Excellent read!
May 20, 2021
Two Thumbs Up! This book was very interesting and a great read.
May 13, 2024
Opus
One of the most amazing women of her time. Thank you for telling the wonderful story of Harriet Tubman. History is always amazing.
One of the most amazing women of her time. Thank you for telling the wonderful story of Harriet Tubman. History is always amazing.
June 18, 2024
Great Conclusion
Great conclusion to a phenomenal series!
Would highly recommend for pleasure reading as well as for Black History month for family students and friends!
Great conclusion to a phenomenal series!
Would highly recommend for pleasure reading as well as for Black History month for family students and friends!
December 23, 2025
Just loved it!
This is what historical novels do best--some decent history, reasonable interpretation, and good writing = history alive. Read and enjoy.
This is what historical novels do best--some decent history, reasonable interpretation, and good writing = history alive. Read and enjoy.
January 18, 2026
Easy read
Very entertaining and fun read. Easily keeps you wanting to continue to read, and see what is on the next page, the next adventure.
Very entertaining and fun read. Easily keeps you wanting to continue to read, and see what is on the next page, the next adventure.
April 8, 2021
Great book to read with good information.
November 4, 2021
It was a fast read but I feel it was very sugarcoated. While I was glad it stayed as close to the facts as possible, it seemed as though the atrocities of the time were glossed over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews