Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom 

Written By Karen Stinson

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This beautiful Caldecott Honor book also won the Coretta Scott King Award. The author describes it as “a fictional story based on the spiritual journey of Harriet Tubman”. It is a well-known fact that Harriet Tubman relied heavily on God throughout her life. The author uses her imagination to create a dialog between Harriet Tubman and God during Harriet’s dangerous years on the Underground Railroad. Other information about Harriet’s life is woven into the story. I love the beautiful free-verse poetry and the stunning illustrations! If you want a strictly factual book, or one that goes beyond Harriet’s Underground Railroad experience, check the lists below.

Read more about Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom here:

If you have older kids, check out my book guide to Harriet Tubman: Freedombound by Janet and Geoffrey Benge. 

Here are some lists of kids’ books about Harriet Tubman. (I can’t recommend books I haven’t read, so check out the online reviews.)

IDEAS FOR BRINGING MOSES - WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM (OR ANY BOOK ABOUT HARRIET TUBMAN) ALIVE 

1. Keep your eyes open for misinformation about Harriet Tubman that turns up in many books and articles, including the one recommended above. For example, Harriet herself claimed to have rescued around 72 people, not 300 as many sources claim, and there is no historical evidence for a bounty of $40,000 on Harriet. Here are some more myths and the correct facts:

2. Learn more about Harriet Tubman online. These suggestions are the tip of the iceberg!

*Here’s a very brief overview of Harriet Tubman’s life:

*Here’s a more detailed article with images and videos of historical artifacts:

*Here’s an interesting 7-minute video about Harriet Tubman:

*Here are some notable quotes:

3. Check out these websites with loads of maps and information about Harriet Tubman’s travels on the Underground Railroad and her home in Auburn, NY. These make enjoyable reading, and are useful for planning visits to the many historic sites related to Harriet.

4. Visit a history museum! Here are some museums around the country about African American history. Check individual listings to see which museums have exhibits about Harriet Tubman and/or the Underground Railroad.

5. See a play, musical, concert, or other performance related to the Underground Railroad or Black History in general. These are most abundant during Black History Month in February, but depending on where you live, you should be able to find some throughout the year.

6. Read books about The Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Here are two that I recommend:

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ABOUT HARRIET TUBMAN 

These questions would apply to any book about Harriet Tubman

1. Tell something brave Harriet Tubman did and why it required courage.

2. How do you think Harriet Tubman found the strength to repeatedly put her life in danger for the sake of other people?

3. Tell about someone else in Harriet’s story who bravely helped others in the face of risks to themselves.

4. Tell an important lesson you have learned from reading about Harriet Tubman. How can you apply this lesson in your own life?

5. Name another historical person who reminds you of Harriet Tubman in some way and tell why.

6. What was your favorite part of Harriet’s story and why?

Karen Stinson
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