Time For Kids: Harriet Tubman: A Woman of Courage (Time For Kids Biographies)

I was impressed with Time Magazine's layout in this biography of Harriet Tubman designed especially for the younger reader. I liked how it mentioned other events going on during Harriet's life story. Almost giving it the appearance of a Time Magazine had it been produced during Civil War times with Harriet Tubman as the cover story along with breifs pieces on the current events. It was very creative and would be a wonderful piece in the study of African American History and for getting kids interested in biographies.

I love Time Biographies. They are very creative. The book is laid out much like a magazine from her time would look. It also gave details about other events that were taking place during her life. It was very interesting and on a level that is appealing to children.

I would use this book to introduce a lesson on Harriet Tubman.

Summary: This book is about the life of Harriet Tubman. It talks about her early childhood and how she was born into slavery but was determined from a early age that she was more than just a slave. She wanted better for her life. She was fearless woman and one of her famous quotes was " There was one of two things I had a right to- liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other." Those are powerful words that proves why she is a woman of courage. Even when Harriet escaped slavery she was still concerned for others and she helped many other slaves escape and this was a act of selflessness and also courage.

Personal Reactions: I have read a few books about Harriet Tubman but when I was a little girl I do not remember show more having a "Time for Kids Biographies" book selection to choose from. I really like how the book is kids friendly and breaks everything down "big bird and cookie monster" so that all kids can understand what happened in the time of the persons life even though it was many years before their time.

Classroom Extension Ideas: 1. During Black History Month I would have my class put on a little skit for the school to show who Harriet Tubman was and why she is so important in History. 2. The students could write a short paper saying if they were put in the same position as Harriet Tubman would they take the long, scary trip alone to escape slavery and if so would they do a selfless service and go back and help others escape as well and why. show less

Summary:
Harriet Tubman, A Woman of Courage is a biographical book published by Time for Kids Biographies. In the beginning of this story, readers are introduced to Harriet Tubman as a woman of courage who was born a slave. Throughout the book stories of how Harriet escaped from the life of a slave living on a plantation to her freedom in Pennsylvania. Harriet used an “underground railroad” system to assist other slaves to freedom. At the end of this story, an elderly Harriet Tubman is pictured in the last photograph taken of her. Her honors as a Civil War scout, receiver of a silver medal for bravery and many other honors are mentioned.

Personal Reaction:
This biography of Harriet Tubman is informative for early readers. I like the show more way the book is divided into chapters such as Working on the Railroad, The Civil War Years, and Harriet’s Later Years. The pages on the book are printed on paper that resembles old parchment paper. When I was younger, I thought the “underground railroad” was a real railroad! Thank God for the knowledge of learning it was not an actual railroad so I can pass the correct story of Harriet Tubman down into the generations of my children and grandchildren.

Classroom Extension Ideas: 1.) Create Paper Quilts. Have students design paper squares with coded messages to go along with the story of the Underground Railroad. Once students are finished, place all the squares together to form a quilt.
2.) Divide students into groups. Give the groups maps of the United States. Students are to find and pinpoint various safe house locations from a list. Students must decide the geographical terrain of the area. Students should decide if the locations were the kinds of places runaway slaves could easily find. show less

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