Author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Kadir Nelson have created a deeply moving and respectful portrayal of Harriet Tubman as both a slave and a free woman. Interspersed with the story of her decision to leave her husband and family and escape to freedom are the words she hears from God, spurring her on and inspiring her to overcome her fear and the wiles of the slave catchers on her trail.
Thus, the book is not only a physical journey from Maryland to Pennsylvania and then into the South for nine trips to bring relatives out of slavery. It is also Tubman's spiritual journey and a testament to her resiliency in the face of violence, terror and greed.
The large format of the book enables the large, powerful images to stand out and to beckon the reader inside the story; with help from adults, many ages of children and teens can find inspiration and excitement in this new tale of the Underground Railroad.
This book received both a Caldecott honor designation and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator award from the American Library Association at recent ceremonies.
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