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Scholastic Biography
Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman
Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible--certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
99 people are currently reading
2147 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Sterling
65 books33 followersDorothy Sterling (Dannenberg) was a Jewish-American writer and historian.
She was born and grew up in New York City, attended Wellesley College, and graduated from Barnard College in 1934. After college, she worked as a journalist and writer in New York for several years. In 1937, she married Philip Sterling, also a writer. In the 1940s, she worked for Life Magazine for 8 years. In early 1968, 448 writers and editors including Dorothy put a full-page ad in the New York Post declaring their intention to refuse to pay taxes for the Vietnam War.
Dorothy was the author of more than 30 books, mainly non-fiction historical works for children on the origins of the women's and anti-slavery movements, civil rights, segregation, and nature, as well as mysteries. She has won several awards for her writings, including the Carter G. Woodson Book Award from the National Council For The Social Studies For The Trouble They Seen: Black People Tell The Story Of Reconstruction, in 1976.
She was born and grew up in New York City, attended Wellesley College, and graduated from Barnard College in 1934. After college, she worked as a journalist and writer in New York for several years. In 1937, she married Philip Sterling, also a writer. In the 1940s, she worked for Life Magazine for 8 years. In early 1968, 448 writers and editors including Dorothy put a full-page ad in the New York Post declaring their intention to refuse to pay taxes for the Vietnam War.
Dorothy was the author of more than 30 books, mainly non-fiction historical works for children on the origins of the women's and anti-slavery movements, civil rights, segregation, and nature, as well as mysteries. She has won several awards for her writings, including the Carter G. Woodson Book Award from the National Council For The Social Studies For The Trouble They Seen: Black People Tell The Story Of Reconstruction, in 1976.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 26, 2024
Did you know that Harriet Tubman was only five feet tall?
Did you know that Ms. Tubman suffered a lifelong brain injury when an overseer on the plantation threw a two-pound weight at a runaway slave but hit her instead and fractured her skull?
Did you know that Harriet suffered seizures and “sleeping spells” for the rest of her life, which were dark times of illness for her that also served to deepen her connection with the Holy Spirit?
Did you know that Ms. Tubman was able to secure the freedom of approximately 300 slaves, often with the help of an extensive network of white Quakers working the Underground Railroad?
Did you know that Harriet served in the Civil War, and was often referred to as “General Tubman,” and paid as a soldier?
Did you know that both of Ms. Tubman's parents lived to see 100 and Harriet herself made it almost to the same age?
Did you know that Harriet Tubman was known by Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, the Alcott family, and Queen Victoria?
My 13-year-old daughter and I knew none of this, and I had no idea that a biography published in 1954 by a white, Jewish woman about Harriet Tubman would choke me up so badly I wouldn't be able to continue reading parts of it, without breaks, to my daughter.
I am humbled, absolutely blown away by this woman, Harriet Tubman. It is obvious to me that she was not just a hero, but most likely a prophet.
Wow. Holy Moses (pun intended).
I have never been more proud of my abolitionist, Quaker ancestors nor more inspired by one woman's selfless, unflagging courage to make permanent and profound changes on our planet.
I grew up like a neglected weed—ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. I was not happy or contented; every time I saw a white man, I was afraid of being carried away. I have seen hundreds of escaped slaves, but I never saw one who was willing to go back and be a slave. I think slavery is the next thing to hell.
--Harriet Tubman
Did you know that Ms. Tubman suffered a lifelong brain injury when an overseer on the plantation threw a two-pound weight at a runaway slave but hit her instead and fractured her skull?
Did you know that Harriet suffered seizures and “sleeping spells” for the rest of her life, which were dark times of illness for her that also served to deepen her connection with the Holy Spirit?
Did you know that Ms. Tubman was able to secure the freedom of approximately 300 slaves, often with the help of an extensive network of white Quakers working the Underground Railroad?
Did you know that Harriet served in the Civil War, and was often referred to as “General Tubman,” and paid as a soldier?
Did you know that both of Ms. Tubman's parents lived to see 100 and Harriet herself made it almost to the same age?
Did you know that Harriet Tubman was known by Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, the Alcott family, and Queen Victoria?
My 13-year-old daughter and I knew none of this, and I had no idea that a biography published in 1954 by a white, Jewish woman about Harriet Tubman would choke me up so badly I wouldn't be able to continue reading parts of it, without breaks, to my daughter.
I am humbled, absolutely blown away by this woman, Harriet Tubman. It is obvious to me that she was not just a hero, but most likely a prophet.
Wow. Holy Moses (pun intended).
I have never been more proud of my abolitionist, Quaker ancestors nor more inspired by one woman's selfless, unflagging courage to make permanent and profound changes on our planet.
I grew up like a neglected weed—ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. I was not happy or contented; every time I saw a white man, I was afraid of being carried away. I have seen hundreds of escaped slaves, but I never saw one who was willing to go back and be a slave. I think slavery is the next thing to hell.
--Harriet Tubman
February 23, 2020
"But the year was 1827 and the place, Maryland. Harriet, black-haired and black-skinned, was
a slave, the daughter of a slave, the Granddaughter of a slave".
Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling
This is a great book on the life of Harriet Tubman. It is a short read..under 200 pages..but covers just about anything. It is a good first book to start with I think since it is short but really covers her whole life.
This book will tell you all about the underground railroad and all about Harriet Tubman. It is a very well written and easy to understand book that is recommended for fans if Historical Non Fiction and biographical works.
a slave, the daughter of a slave, the Granddaughter of a slave".
Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling
This is a great book on the life of Harriet Tubman. It is a short read..under 200 pages..but covers just about anything. It is a good first book to start with I think since it is short but really covers her whole life.
This book will tell you all about the underground railroad and all about Harriet Tubman. It is a very well written and easy to understand book that is recommended for fans if Historical Non Fiction and biographical works.
November 13, 2008
I read this book in 5th grade and fell in love with Harriet. She was the bravest person I had ever heard of, I wanted to be as brave as her.
February 8, 2014
Started teaching this book on my last sub job. Decided to finish it. It was good but I think the hard parts of escaping from slavery were kind of glossed over. They just made it sound like she walked right up to the Pennsylvania line and hopped over. I do get, however, that it was a kids book so probably too much detail was not a good thing. It was a good story and I think the kids are going to really enjoy it.
November 13, 2016
This book covers the life of Harriet Tubman from the time she was a seven year old slave in Maryland until she dies at the age of nintey-three. Harriet begins working as a house servant and ends up being sent to work in the field with men. Her master hires her out to other farmers, on a job Harriet ends up meeting another slaved named Jim who ends up telling her that he has run away many times and tells her about the Underground Railroad that helps slaves escape to free territory. A while later she is in town and meets John Tubman who becomes her husband. The book continues to tell her story throughout being married and how she successfully helped more than three hundred slaves escape to free territory. As she gets older she continues to fight to end slavery which she finally gets to see in 1863.
I chose to read this book because I wanted to find a historical fiction book for students to read that wasn't boring and had them interested in the material. In my practicum last year, there were tons of books similar to this, so I decided to read this one and see why the students like them so much, and now I see why, these books don't make you feel like you are reading about history.
I would use this in my classroom as an introduction to Black History Month, students can read about her story and then write the story in their own words, and students can use the format and write a story about another famous person or event that they want to learn about.
I chose to read this book because I wanted to find a historical fiction book for students to read that wasn't boring and had them interested in the material. In my practicum last year, there were tons of books similar to this, so I decided to read this one and see why the students like them so much, and now I see why, these books don't make you feel like you are reading about history.
I would use this in my classroom as an introduction to Black History Month, students can read about her story and then write the story in their own words, and students can use the format and write a story about another famous person or event that they want to learn about.
October 23, 2022
When I think about Harriet Tubman, I primarily conjure up her association with the Underground Railroad. She led many to safety, but she inspired many other with her fearless determination and numerous return trips south. What I didn’t know was how long she lived and how she served the nation during the Civil War as a scout, nurse, etc. She went on to provide food and shelter to the needy in her community after the war. She did all of this in spite of having serious physical damage from a life of slavery. She actually lived into the 1900s. What a fascinating woman!
July 12, 2018
Harriet Tubman is indeed the type of hero that America should always hold up in a great light, for she was one who cared deeply for freedom, deeply for people, and was willing to do whatever she could to set free those who were in bondage.
This book tells of the life of Harriet Tubman from her childhood through her last days. It covers everything from how she was treated as a slave, how closely knit her family was, about her head injury, how she escaped, why and how she returned countless other times to free more slaves, how she helped at hospitals and in the army during the Civil War, what life was like for her in Auburn, NY, and all about the singing she did.
My sons really loved learning more in depth about this courageous woman as I read this to them. We plan on going to her house in NY soon too.
This book tells of the life of Harriet Tubman from her childhood through her last days. It covers everything from how she was treated as a slave, how closely knit her family was, about her head injury, how she escaped, why and how she returned countless other times to free more slaves, how she helped at hospitals and in the army during the Civil War, what life was like for her in Auburn, NY, and all about the singing she did.
My sons really loved learning more in depth about this courageous woman as I read this to them. We plan on going to her house in NY soon too.
March 16, 2010
what i learned from this book so far is that harriet is a brave harted young girl,and by the way she can take a licking and keep on ticking.even though she had to literary eat scarps of food to live not just to stay healyhy but just to stay alive because she was a slave &because she was a african-american,i think this is a book that our generation will love to read over and over again.book of the century!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 25, 2009
A great read for 5th graders learning about American history (specifically Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War).
February 7, 2018
This is truly the only book I can remember disliking so much in childhood that I did not finish it, so I read it as part of Book Riot’s 2018 challenge, task #24. To be honest, I don’t remember if it was assigned or not, but it’s commonly assigned to students and was a fifth grade book where I used to teach. Close enough.
Sterling does a good job of bringing Harriet Tubman to life while still relying on historical facts and accounts rather than resorting to fiction. Tubman’s story is even more remarkable to me as an adult than it was as a child. I had completely forgotten the many roles she played during the Civil War and afterwards during Reconstruction and the Women’s Suffrage movement. I suspect these parts were a bit over my head as a child, and that this is why I didn’t finish the book. All in all, I was impressed with the author’s ability to clearly portray the horrors of slavery and the unfair way blacks were treated during and after the Civil War in a way that feels manageable for children to grapple with. Not an easy feat, and one that a lot of children’s books about this time period don’t even truly attempt.
Sterling does a good job of bringing Harriet Tubman to life while still relying on historical facts and accounts rather than resorting to fiction. Tubman’s story is even more remarkable to me as an adult than it was as a child. I had completely forgotten the many roles she played during the Civil War and afterwards during Reconstruction and the Women’s Suffrage movement. I suspect these parts were a bit over my head as a child, and that this is why I didn’t finish the book. All in all, I was impressed with the author’s ability to clearly portray the horrors of slavery and the unfair way blacks were treated during and after the Civil War in a way that feels manageable for children to grapple with. Not an easy feat, and one that a lot of children’s books about this time period don’t even truly attempt.
February 28, 2013
I read this biography aloud to my children. The timing worked out well because it is Black History Month.
Harriet Tubman is an inspiring heroine! Despite having a hard life born into slavery, being beaten by her masters, and surviving a serious head wound that should have killed her, she went on to accomplish great things. She single-handedly brought over 300 slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It is astonishing that she eluded detection with 19 trips across slave territory. We laughed at the mention of Harriet sleeping on a bench beneath a “wanted” poster for her capture. I firmly believe that she had divine intervention helping her along the way.
"I was conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can't say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger."
Sterling’s account of Harriet Tubman’s life was fascinating, and my kids and I loved it! Highly recommended!!
Harriet Tubman is an inspiring heroine! Despite having a hard life born into slavery, being beaten by her masters, and surviving a serious head wound that should have killed her, she went on to accomplish great things. She single-handedly brought over 300 slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It is astonishing that she eluded detection with 19 trips across slave territory. We laughed at the mention of Harriet sleeping on a bench beneath a “wanted” poster for her capture. I firmly believe that she had divine intervention helping her along the way.
"I was conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can't say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger."
Sterling’s account of Harriet Tubman’s life was fascinating, and my kids and I loved it! Highly recommended!!
May 2, 2017
I read this in the sixties when I was a kid. Back then the rural school I attended didn't teach anything about Black American history. So, reading this book, I got the impression that Black people didn't have much to do with American history, except for rare instances like Harriet Tubman. It's a shame because I missed out on learning about a whole lot of interesting people. Now, of course, as an adult I've caught up on all that I missed then, and I'm glad to see that this book is still in print to continue to fascinate children with this brave woman's story.
November 20, 2016
literature is meant to reveal the hidden truth , to unveil the secret pain and to highlight the sorrow of those who suffered for their light of freedom ... The freedom train is a book about the human pain and strength ... about south and north , about freedom and slavery ... about the journey ofHarriet Tubman ...
can't wait to read it for my own children ♡ ♡ ♡
"تي حتى تعرسي بنيتي قلو متشوقة تقريهولهم"
thank you Omi for bringing me back to reality -_-
can't wait to read it for my own children ♡ ♡ ♡
"تي حتى تعرسي بنيتي قلو متشوقة تقريهولهم"
thank you Omi for bringing me back to reality -_-
February 14, 2014
I thought this book was very interesting and made me appreciate the freedom that I have in my life. I think Harriet is a true hero and has more love towards other people than anyone I know. At some points in the novel I found myself wandering and a little bored. Overall I would read this book again.
August 4, 2010
I have read this book annually since I was introduced to it while in elementary school. I would recommend that all children should read this book for a glorious interpretation of what Harriet Tubman did for slaves during her time. Very insightful, very educational!
February 4, 2009
I thought it was a great book on Harriet Tubmens life.
May 16, 2009
I read this book during the reading time while I was tutoring...I learned more about Tubman and her incredible bravery...
Want to read
January 19, 2010found on my bookshelf
Currently reading
April 27, 2010I learnded that Harriet Tubman is a hero to black people.
September 12, 2010
The story of Harriet Tubman. This also makes a great reference book which includes great facts and events by date and year at the end of the book.
Read
January 26, 2011i like it
July 29, 2011
When I was little, I loved this biography about Harriet Tubman, and to this day I enjoy reading it and letting her bravery inspire me.
August 7, 2011
where i learned the always useful fact that harriet tubman had narcolepsy from being hit on the head with an iron
August 24, 2025
An interesting look into the life of Harriet Tubman. Upper Elementary level appropriate content that still gets the idea across of what was going on in this time of history in the United States.
January 29, 2020
Who was Harriet Tubman? She was born a slave in Maryland, but dreamed of being free. Her resolve was increased after watching two of her sisters marching shackled off to work in the cotton fields in the Deep South. She tried to earn the money to buy her freedom, but couldn't. When threatened with being sold, she fled for the North.
Except Harriet Tubman was different. Her dreams of freedom included other slaves. Like Moses, a code name for her, she went back to lead others North. When the Civil War broke out, she joined the army and went to South Carolina and worked as a spy. Afterwards she worked for women's suffrage.
This book is listed as a biography, but has some historical fiction elements. It is an easy read, but is packed with information about a woman whose name I had heard, yet knew little about. The above are only the highlights.
As a nation, we need to remember and learn from the past. This is a good book to read to find some of that past.
Except Harriet Tubman was different. Her dreams of freedom included other slaves. Like Moses, a code name for her, she went back to lead others North. When the Civil War broke out, she joined the army and went to South Carolina and worked as a spy. Afterwards she worked for women's suffrage.
This book is listed as a biography, but has some historical fiction elements. It is an easy read, but is packed with information about a woman whose name I had heard, yet knew little about. The above are only the highlights.
As a nation, we need to remember and learn from the past. This is a good book to read to find some of that past.
March 9, 2020
I learned so much reading this aloud to the kids! I only ever knew about her involvement in the underground railroad, I had no idea all the other amazing things she did during and after the Civil War.
March 24, 2020
T.w.w.o. donates these type of stories to students in our classrooms for children to study American Heroes of now and tomorrow.
February 16, 2021
Drew thought Harriet was so awesome because she was a spy, soldier, and went on secret missions. What a remarkable, incredible lady. Kids learned a lot.
May 21, 2024
The book was very interesting if you would like to learn more about Harriet Tubman's life. The plot line was more like a history book and less like a story.
April 14, 2014
In the book “Freedom Train” by Dorothy Sterling, Harriet Tubman was a slave in 1827. She was born a slave and would always be one. She was a very curious little girl. At only the age of eight, Harriet was going to be trouble for her master. Her master tried and tried to sell Harriet, but no one would buy her. Harriet grew older and at the age of 16 she was as curious as ever. One day, her curiosity got her into trouble. Harriet was hurt by her master and was knocked unconscious. She recovered, but she was going to be permanently hurt. She fell into sleeping spells. She would fall asleep while doing simple tasks such as sweeping.
“Some day,” she said, “I’m going to be free!”
That day was coming closer as Harriet grew older. Harriet was tired of working as a slave. She wanted to be done with all of the hard work and the restrictions she was put on. One day, Harriet,s master died, leaving her and the other slaves on the plantation in the care of the mean mistress. Harriet overheard the mistress talking about how they were going to sell everyone on the plantation to the cotton mills down south. Harriet decided it was time. She was going to run. She would take the underground railroad and use the tricks that her daddy taught her when she was little to run away and become free. Will Harriet ever be a free woman? What will happen to her family? Will they be sold to the plantations down south and never be seen again? Read the book “Freedom Train” to find out.
I would recommend this book for 3rd grade and up. It informs you of a true story of someone who works all their life. We, as Americans, don’t get whipped for not doing something. We just get yelled at by our parents and then move on. This book shows what happened long before we got this easy life with iPhones and computers. It really takes you back to 1872 as if you were there. I absolutely loved this book, and I hope you do too!
“Some day,” she said, “I’m going to be free!”
That day was coming closer as Harriet grew older. Harriet was tired of working as a slave. She wanted to be done with all of the hard work and the restrictions she was put on. One day, Harriet,s master died, leaving her and the other slaves on the plantation in the care of the mean mistress. Harriet overheard the mistress talking about how they were going to sell everyone on the plantation to the cotton mills down south. Harriet decided it was time. She was going to run. She would take the underground railroad and use the tricks that her daddy taught her when she was little to run away and become free. Will Harriet ever be a free woman? What will happen to her family? Will they be sold to the plantations down south and never be seen again? Read the book “Freedom Train” to find out.
I would recommend this book for 3rd grade and up. It informs you of a true story of someone who works all their life. We, as Americans, don’t get whipped for not doing something. We just get yelled at by our parents and then move on. This book shows what happened long before we got this easy life with iPhones and computers. It really takes you back to 1872 as if you were there. I absolutely loved this book, and I hope you do too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews