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Heroes of History #6
Harriet Tubman: Freedombound
At age six the sharp bite of a whip taught Harriet Tubman what it meant to be a slave. The other slaves scoffed when Harriet resolved to escape north someday. Little did they know that this girl would one day lead hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Even huge rewards for her capture - dead or alive - did not stop Harriet from risking her life again and again in the fight for liberty as the nation spiraled into the Civil War. Whether running from slave hunters, advising generals, or improving conditions in war hospitals, remarkable Harriet Tubman would not be satisfied until every person could experience true freedom. (1820?-1913)
Even huge rewards for her capture - dead or alive - did not stop Harriet from risking her life again and again in the fight for liberty as the nation spiraled into the Civil War. Whether running from slave hunters, advising generals, or improving conditions in war hospitals, remarkable Harriet Tubman would not be satisfied until every person could experience true freedom. (1820?-1913)
191 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
11 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Janet Benge
175 books307 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 13, 2025
Physically abused by her masters resulting in a traumatic brain injury as a child slave, Ms Tubman was a mentally and physically strong woman and escaped by herself. She made her way north to Philadelphia and her freedom. She made connections and went south risking her life to help her family and others escape north. After the Fugitive Slaves Act was passed, southern slave owners could retrieve their runaway slaves. To be a free slave, you now had to get to Canada. She became known as Moses. After the Civil War started, she worked as a spy for the Union Army to gather intelligence to aid the north. After the war, she was humiliated by a white conductor on a train ride home and realized the fight had just begun.
March 25, 2021
In reading Harriet Tubman: Freedombound aloud to my children, I learned so much about this strong, faithful, courageous woman. Unfortunately, I'd only ever gotten a thumbnail sketch of her life and accomplishments. Though this book is written for children, it's informative and enjoyable for adults as well.
The book, written in an engaging, novel-like style, covers Harriet's childhood as a slave through her time as conductor on the Underground Railroad to her advisory role in the Civil War and beyond. I recommend it for children or adults wanting to learn more about the inhumanity and injustice of slavery and the long-fought battle African Americans and white abolitionists waged in creating a more just American society.
The book, written in an engaging, novel-like style, covers Harriet's childhood as a slave through her time as conductor on the Underground Railroad to her advisory role in the Civil War and beyond. I recommend it for children or adults wanting to learn more about the inhumanity and injustice of slavery and the long-fought battle African Americans and white abolitionists waged in creating a more just American society.
May 30, 2025
Harriet Tubman is an inspiration. She was a revolutionary leader and a strong force for good. Her faith in God even through incredibly tough circumstances is beautiful. She lead so many to freedom risking her own life. She was a source of inspiration and aid to so many in her own time as well as in our time.
I love how she lead with songs! She used lots of music praising the Lord throughout her life to bless herself and others.
Epiphanies:
I didn't know that Quakers used only 'thee' and 'thou' in this time and that they were a huge force in the underground railroad.
Best quotes:
"We's in chains because of men's greed"
"He would never own her soul."
"All of the pain and suffering was worth it just to hear that she had helped her friend escape slavery"
"It is not God's intention that one man should own another man's soul. He will go with thee."
"Thee must go now Harriet Tupman and God shall go with thee."
"There were white people in the south willing to risk their lives to help slaves escape to freedom."
"I am worth a lot more than that to the good Lord."
"God will provide it for me."
"Men and women have been coming in all afternoon giving bits of money to you."
- Harriet needed money and asked for a miracle. She waited, fell asleep and woke up with more than enough money in her shawl. God doesn't leave His children alone. Harriet was very faithful and awesome.
"She would never earn their hearts and minds unless she learned to live like them."
I love how she lead with songs! She used lots of music praising the Lord throughout her life to bless herself and others.
Epiphanies:
I didn't know that Quakers used only 'thee' and 'thou' in this time and that they were a huge force in the underground railroad.
Best quotes:
"We's in chains because of men's greed"
"He would never own her soul."
"All of the pain and suffering was worth it just to hear that she had helped her friend escape slavery"
"It is not God's intention that one man should own another man's soul. He will go with thee."
"Thee must go now Harriet Tupman and God shall go with thee."
"There were white people in the south willing to risk their lives to help slaves escape to freedom."
"I am worth a lot more than that to the good Lord."
"God will provide it for me."
"Men and women have been coming in all afternoon giving bits of money to you."
- Harriet needed money and asked for a miracle. She waited, fell asleep and woke up with more than enough money in her shawl. God doesn't leave His children alone. Harriet was very faithful and awesome.
"She would never earn their hearts and minds unless she learned to live like them."
Read
April 27, 2021The journey of Harriet Tubman is a scary, crazy, and harrowing tale that no person should have ever survived. This was written in a fantasy, third person type of way. It wasn't a wikipedia article, but it wasn't the best way to tell her story. I think being outside of her story looking in, instead of watching the journey through a witness is better.
I was obsessed with Harriet Tubman when I was in 4th and 5th grade, I checked out almost every book in my library that was about her. That might have been another reason I didn't enjoy this as much because everything in this book, I already knew. It was a refresh of memory. This is a good start, if you want to learn about Harriet Tubman, but I recommend Who Was Harriet Tubman?, A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland, and Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom for more information.
I was obsessed with Harriet Tubman when I was in 4th and 5th grade, I checked out almost every book in my library that was about her. That might have been another reason I didn't enjoy this as much because everything in this book, I already knew. It was a refresh of memory. This is a good start, if you want to learn about Harriet Tubman, but I recommend Who Was Harriet Tubman?, A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland, and Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom for more information.
March 21, 2025
Listened to a chapter or two at a time over lunch with my 12, 10, 9, 7 and 3 year olds (audio book). Fit so well with the history period that my oldest couple kids have been studying this year so it was wonderful for them to be able to put all the events of Herriot’s life into historical context and recognize the names of political figures, etc. So important to study history with all the emotions and joys and sorrows of real people understood - or at least that is the goal!
Thankful to have gotten to know this remarkable, gritty woman together, and my kids have asked for a five star rating!
Thankful to have gotten to know this remarkable, gritty woman together, and my kids have asked for a five star rating!
November 19, 2023
I read this one with Jasper. It was arguably one of his favorite this year. He was absorbing EVERYTHING this book gave us.
I myself learned SO much about Moses herself!! So many facts that are just so clearly left out of history books and upon asking most of my white friends, information about her completely left out of even the stories !
Adding her to the list of incredible, inspiring women.
I myself learned SO much about Moses herself!! So many facts that are just so clearly left out of history books and upon asking most of my white friends, information about her completely left out of even the stories !
Adding her to the list of incredible, inspiring women.
January 6, 2021
I read this book to my children as we studied slavery in the USA. Harriet's story is a difficult one. I am inspired by her selflessness in putting herself in danger for others in order to offer them a life of freedom.
November 15, 2025
This has been one of the most enjoyable of the Heroes of History series we have read so far.
April 25, 2021
I recently watched the 2019 movie, "Harriet." After watching, I knew I wanted to learn more about Harriet Tubman's extraordinary life. I've enjoyed every one of Janet and Geoff Benge's biographies, and this was no exception. I listened to the audiobook version on Hoopla. It was well researched. I appreciated the parts of Harriet's life that it highlighted. I liked the dialogue and stories included. This is an easy read if you too would like to learn more about Harriet Tubman.
June 3, 2020
I cannot recommend the Biographies by Benge’s highly enough. They are so well written and always about the most fascinating people from history.
I watched the new movie “Harriet,” and wanted to know more about her life. I listened to this book on my Hoopla app and it was EXCELLENT. The book shares hard and fascinating stories about Harriet. I can’t believe one woman did so much in her life. She was a phenomenal woman!
Let me share one story from the book:
Harriet had freed many slaves, but had not been able to free her parents. Her parents were old, had lived hard lives as slaves, and could not “runaway” to freedom. Harriet had a dream that her father was in trouble, and she knew it was time to help. Harriet needed $20 to get them transfered safely North. She went to the Abolition office to ask for help. They had no money to give her. She went to the waiting room and decided she would not eat or drink until she had the money to free her parents. She fell asleep in the chair, and when she woke up, money was tucked inside her shawl. The lady at the front desk told her that people kept coming in, and when they saw Harriet, they gave whatever they could. The amount totaled $60! When Harriet arrived at her father’s shack, she discovered he would be arrested the next day and sent to jail. He was being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Often, slave owners would accuse their elderly slaves of a false crime, so the slave would be send to prison and the owner no longer had to house or feed them when they were too old to work. Harriet got both of her parents to freedom, and they lived in her home for the rest of their lives.
When I finished the book, I took a moment to thank God for how far we’ve come. Days later, George Floyd was killed and I realized we still have a long way to go. I’m incredibly grateful for women like Harriet Tubman and think we all need to hear her story!
I watched the new movie “Harriet,” and wanted to know more about her life. I listened to this book on my Hoopla app and it was EXCELLENT. The book shares hard and fascinating stories about Harriet. I can’t believe one woman did so much in her life. She was a phenomenal woman!
Let me share one story from the book:
Harriet had freed many slaves, but had not been able to free her parents. Her parents were old, had lived hard lives as slaves, and could not “runaway” to freedom. Harriet had a dream that her father was in trouble, and she knew it was time to help. Harriet needed $20 to get them transfered safely North. She went to the Abolition office to ask for help. They had no money to give her. She went to the waiting room and decided she would not eat or drink until she had the money to free her parents. She fell asleep in the chair, and when she woke up, money was tucked inside her shawl. The lady at the front desk told her that people kept coming in, and when they saw Harriet, they gave whatever they could. The amount totaled $60! When Harriet arrived at her father’s shack, she discovered he would be arrested the next day and sent to jail. He was being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Often, slave owners would accuse their elderly slaves of a false crime, so the slave would be send to prison and the owner no longer had to house or feed them when they were too old to work. Harriet got both of her parents to freedom, and they lived in her home for the rest of their lives.
When I finished the book, I took a moment to thank God for how far we’ve come. Days later, George Floyd was killed and I realized we still have a long way to go. I’m incredibly grateful for women like Harriet Tubman and think we all need to hear her story!
November 4, 2019
Harriet Tubman’s father came with corn cakes and hot tea. She came back to bring more slaves to freedom. I can’t come in and see you, he whispered from the door, but Harriet is that really you in there? Yes it’s me, she said. They reached out and squeezed hands. Lord knows I’d love to set eyes on you child, Ben said. But the fact is, as soon as the boys are missed. Dr. Thompson is going to ask me if I have seen them or you for that matter. I gotta be able to say. No sir I ain’t seen any of them since Christmas. I ain’t seen hide nor hair of them. I understand, she said. Her father always had a reputation for telling the truth and he wasn’t about to have a lie on his conscience.
Early in 1862 Harriet received word from governor of MASS wanted to see her. She hurried to visit him. The gov asked her to go south and work with the contraband. Large numbers of slaves were pouring into the Union camp at Port Royal, SC, asking for protection and looking to help the union win the war. However, there were problems. Southern blacks did not compleletey trust white northern soldiers . Many misunderstandings arose because of the slaves southern accents and use of strange combinations of African words. The department needed someone to bridge the gap between white soldiers and black contraband. Who could best handle the problem? One name kept coming up: moses. Harriet was looking for some war to help in the war effort. She agreed. In May she found herself sailing out the harbor on board the USS Atlantic. Her destination was Beaufort County SC. where she was to report to General Hunter, commander of the forces there. The small county was on the southernmost coast right next to GA, few miles form Savannah. It was made up of several islands that offered shelter to ships. Port Royal had been the site of an important harbor for the Confederacy. Union forces had drive off the Confederates and now it was a vital port for the Union ships blockading the coastlines. When teh Confederate army retreated from the area plantation owners realized they were no longer protected. They took what they could and fled. They tried to force their slaves to flee inland with them, but many refused. The unlucky ones were shot, and lucky ones were able to flee into swamps and get to Union soldier camps. When she disembarked in SC, swarms of small near naked black children swarmed around her as she made her way to Gen. Hunter’s HQ. Many had open sores with bellies bulging from malnutrition. Young and old men sat around fishing while women stared listlessly into space. Harriet had never seen so much need clustered in one space before. Soon she was in the General’s office and he greeted her enthusiastically and got straight to the point. We have a very difficult situation here. The slaves are hostages to this war we are fighting. Some are sick and wounded, all of them are hungry and disoriented. i know that most of them have never been this far from their home plantations before. They are scared. What is more. They are not free. They cannot leave to make their own way in this world. But they’re not slaves either and therefore have no slave owner to feed and clothe them and tell them what to do each day. Frankly, I’ve asked the government for money to feed them and educate them for gainful employment, but have been refused. I do not know what to do with them all, but i do know that if something is not done we will have many more deaths on our hands. That’s why you’re here. Although we could do with a 1000 Harriet Tubmans. She sat quietly and then replied. I will do my best general. I will pray that the good Lord guides my actions.” Wonderful! Gen. Hunter responded. She drew soldier’s rations and pay. She was the only black woman employed by the government/army. She knew it would be difficult, but not how difficult i would be. She was met with open hostility. By the end of the first week she had hardly made a friend. You keep you Yankee hands off my body, spat one old woman. when she offered to bathe her infected foot. A young boy told her. My mama says you got nothing good to say to us, eating good every day, eating rations like a white soldier! So that’s it. Slaves this far south don’t know about my work on the underground railroad. They must think I’ve always lived an easy life up north. Now here I am eating 3 meals a day and living like a white mistress. She realized she would never win their hearts and minds until she learned to speak and live like them. She marched straight to the army quartermaster and informed them that she would no longer draw her rations, but make her own way. That proved to be the key to winning the hearts and minds of South Carolina blacks. Each evening, gingerbread pies and root beer pies, and employed women to sell them to Union soldiers. It made enough money to feed Harriet and provide income for 4 families. Soon others wanted to know how they could help out. She started a business and equipped people. She took $200 from Army, and employed men to construct a building, and created a laundry facility where soldiers could come and get their clothes washed. Soon Beaufort was a hive of small industries of people who helped each other. Jan 1, 1863 all slaves became legally free. Emancipation Proclamation. Harriet’s efforts helped former slaves to lead productive lives in the years ahead. Black regiments in the army were also started.
And it all started with the realization that she needed to incarnate and live alongside in order for the community to be transformed. Just like Jesus!
Early in 1862 Harriet received word from governor of MASS wanted to see her. She hurried to visit him. The gov asked her to go south and work with the contraband. Large numbers of slaves were pouring into the Union camp at Port Royal, SC, asking for protection and looking to help the union win the war. However, there were problems. Southern blacks did not compleletey trust white northern soldiers . Many misunderstandings arose because of the slaves southern accents and use of strange combinations of African words. The department needed someone to bridge the gap between white soldiers and black contraband. Who could best handle the problem? One name kept coming up: moses. Harriet was looking for some war to help in the war effort. She agreed. In May she found herself sailing out the harbor on board the USS Atlantic. Her destination was Beaufort County SC. where she was to report to General Hunter, commander of the forces there. The small county was on the southernmost coast right next to GA, few miles form Savannah. It was made up of several islands that offered shelter to ships. Port Royal had been the site of an important harbor for the Confederacy. Union forces had drive off the Confederates and now it was a vital port for the Union ships blockading the coastlines. When teh Confederate army retreated from the area plantation owners realized they were no longer protected. They took what they could and fled. They tried to force their slaves to flee inland with them, but many refused. The unlucky ones were shot, and lucky ones were able to flee into swamps and get to Union soldier camps. When she disembarked in SC, swarms of small near naked black children swarmed around her as she made her way to Gen. Hunter’s HQ. Many had open sores with bellies bulging from malnutrition. Young and old men sat around fishing while women stared listlessly into space. Harriet had never seen so much need clustered in one space before. Soon she was in the General’s office and he greeted her enthusiastically and got straight to the point. We have a very difficult situation here. The slaves are hostages to this war we are fighting. Some are sick and wounded, all of them are hungry and disoriented. i know that most of them have never been this far from their home plantations before. They are scared. What is more. They are not free. They cannot leave to make their own way in this world. But they’re not slaves either and therefore have no slave owner to feed and clothe them and tell them what to do each day. Frankly, I’ve asked the government for money to feed them and educate them for gainful employment, but have been refused. I do not know what to do with them all, but i do know that if something is not done we will have many more deaths on our hands. That’s why you’re here. Although we could do with a 1000 Harriet Tubmans. She sat quietly and then replied. I will do my best general. I will pray that the good Lord guides my actions.” Wonderful! Gen. Hunter responded. She drew soldier’s rations and pay. She was the only black woman employed by the government/army. She knew it would be difficult, but not how difficult i would be. She was met with open hostility. By the end of the first week she had hardly made a friend. You keep you Yankee hands off my body, spat one old woman. when she offered to bathe her infected foot. A young boy told her. My mama says you got nothing good to say to us, eating good every day, eating rations like a white soldier! So that’s it. Slaves this far south don’t know about my work on the underground railroad. They must think I’ve always lived an easy life up north. Now here I am eating 3 meals a day and living like a white mistress. She realized she would never win their hearts and minds until she learned to speak and live like them. She marched straight to the army quartermaster and informed them that she would no longer draw her rations, but make her own way. That proved to be the key to winning the hearts and minds of South Carolina blacks. Each evening, gingerbread pies and root beer pies, and employed women to sell them to Union soldiers. It made enough money to feed Harriet and provide income for 4 families. Soon others wanted to know how they could help out. She started a business and equipped people. She took $200 from Army, and employed men to construct a building, and created a laundry facility where soldiers could come and get their clothes washed. Soon Beaufort was a hive of small industries of people who helped each other. Jan 1, 1863 all slaves became legally free. Emancipation Proclamation. Harriet’s efforts helped former slaves to lead productive lives in the years ahead. Black regiments in the army were also started.
And it all started with the realization that she needed to incarnate and live alongside in order for the community to be transformed. Just like Jesus!
August 24, 2023
Wanted to introduce my kids to the lady who will occupy the new $20 bill. And I'm glad I did. What an amazing gumption she had for the cause of freedom. Great history packaged just for kids. Would love to do more biographies from this series. The kids loved it.
October 15, 2022
[read for school]
July 2, 2020
When I began reading this book only a few days ago, I was gripped by the retelling of the life of a woman in bondage dreaming of freedom. As the days of reading wore on however, it turned into a retelling from the viewpoint of someone who believed that social justice is a good thing and feminism helps people. I do not know and never will know if Harriet was an SJW or a feminist (though one of her greatest friends was Susan B. Anthony 😬), but the author certainly seemed to put forth its virtue, which I, personally, don’t agree with. Which is why I give this book a solid 3 stars. Read about Harriet Tubman and her courage. But please also remember that it is God that works in all of us to will and to do of his good pleasure. But maybe only read this book as an accompaniment to the rest of your study about this time period and her life.
August 26, 2019
Unbelievable!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is incredibly well written and every moment is gripping. I could not put it down. I enjoyed reading this so much I am sorry to see it finished. I did not know the story of Harriet Tubman and quite frankly it didn't seem very interesting to me. I couldn't have been more wrong! Harriet Tubman is a true American hero and one of God's very special people placed on this Earth to help others selflessly. She spent every moment of her life doing just that...everything in the service of others for the glory of God. An amazing woman. I hope the day I enter heaven to meet her. She truly occupies a place of honor in God's heavenly kingdom. This book is more than worth the read. It will change who you are.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is incredibly well written and every moment is gripping. I could not put it down. I enjoyed reading this so much I am sorry to see it finished. I did not know the story of Harriet Tubman and quite frankly it didn't seem very interesting to me. I couldn't have been more wrong! Harriet Tubman is a true American hero and one of God's very special people placed on this Earth to help others selflessly. She spent every moment of her life doing just that...everything in the service of others for the glory of God. An amazing woman. I hope the day I enter heaven to meet her. She truly occupies a place of honor in God's heavenly kingdom. This book is more than worth the read. It will change who you are.
September 6, 2020
Sensacional mujer. Creo que jamás me cansaré de saber sobre su vida. Esta biografía cuenta de manera sencilla la vida de Mrs. Tubman y cómo gracias a ella cientos de esclavos fueron liberados de las plantaciones, cómo gracias a ella la Unión obtuvo la ventaja que, a la larga, los condujo a la victoria. Es un libro muy sencillo de leer, no ahonda demasiado en los detalles (que por un lado, se echa en falta y por otro, se agradece) y se mantiene fiel a los acontecimientos históricos tanto de Tubman como de los que rodearon sus casi cien años de vida. Creo que es apropiado para el público adolescente y para cualquier adulto que desee conocer (aunque sea de manera superflúa) a esta extraordinaria mujer.
September 28, 2023
This book was great. Well written, easy to understand, exciting, but informative.
I had no idea Harriet Tubman did so much, it was remarkable all this lady did not only in freeing slaves, but in helping fight the Civil War, help run a hospital, and help integrate former slaves into society.
I thought this was an honest biography, not steering away from the hard truths of what our country did, but also understanding the growth and pain the country went through to overcome this dark past. Tubman was remarkable and her story should be read by everyone.
I had no idea Harriet Tubman did so much, it was remarkable all this lady did not only in freeing slaves, but in helping fight the Civil War, help run a hospital, and help integrate former slaves into society.
I thought this was an honest biography, not steering away from the hard truths of what our country did, but also understanding the growth and pain the country went through to overcome this dark past. Tubman was remarkable and her story should be read by everyone.
November 16, 2020
Highly recommend as a family read aloud! This historically accurate account of Harriet Tubman’s life is written in such a way that is easy to read and enjoyable to listen to (as enjoyable as such a story can be!). It is gentle enough for the kids while not shying away from the truth even for a moment. These are the kinds of books that should be on the required reading list for upper elementary. This is how they learn, comprehend, and retain the truth of history.
June 16, 2022
Very interesting. Amazing what Tubman went through and the things she was able to accomplish in her lifetime even with challenges like sleeping spells! Falling asleep anytime anywhere when you are working to free slaves? Just incredible. Inspiring. I loved the letter included from Douglass to Tubman at the end.
July 3, 2020
I almost put this in historical fiction because the authors add thoughts and feelings that are certainly extrapolations. This book is a narrative, it is like a novel for young adults. It is well written and moves very quickly. I think this is a very good introduction to Harriet Tubman.
August 9, 2020
Not sure if my complaint is about the book or the movie “Harriet.” I would like to read a bit more to see which version is true. The book tended to downplay her faith and she is quick to violence, but her bravery and selflessness shine through brightly.
January 8, 2024
Me hizo sentir demasiadas cosas, desde frustración y enojo hasta alivio y felicidad, aún más al ser una biografía sobre una persona que vivió en exclavitud, siempre había subidas y bajadas. Desde luego el final fue lo que más me tocó el corazón ❤️ Muy linda novela
August 1, 2017
It was a powerful book and at times it was hard but I got to learn a lot more about Harriet Tubman then I knew about already.
May 15, 2020
Fascinating and thrilling! Excellent account of her life and sacrifice.
May 18, 2020
Challenging and inspiring book showing incredible drive for a woman who made a difference. Amazing to hear of the way others took great risks to help free slaves.
July 20, 2020
Story of "Moses", of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War time period. I learned several facts about her life that I had not known before.
December 11, 2020
Absolutely amazing woman! I want to be brave and persevering like her!
September 26, 2021
An incredible woman who wouldn't quit and always watched for ways to help others.
Once again, this book is aimed young (I read it to my son), but it's a great overview of Tubman's life for any age.
Once again, this book is aimed young (I read it to my son), but it's a great overview of Tubman's life for any age.
February 3, 2022
Not a lot of new information that we didn’t know already in this book, but a great reminder of how doing the right thing isn’t usually easy and it’s not necessarily legal. Great read with the kids.
February 16, 2022
My kids said this was their favorite of this series so far. She truly was a spunky, courageous and inspiring woman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews