Moses, When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
This was truly a superb book, both the text and illustrations told the wonderful story of Harriet Tubman, a famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. In the story Harriet is a slave who decides to run away instead of being sold. Harriet's flight is recorded as well as her special relationship with God. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and Harriet became, with her trust in God, the Moses for her people.
This book illustrates how one person can make a difference in the world. Harriet was able to free as many as three hundred slaves. She changed so many lives. The Coretta Scott King Award is inscribed with "Non Violent Social Change - Peace - Brotherhood". We are amazed at the story of Tubman, who did so much for her people with only her faith in God, no violence was required.
This book also received a Caldecott Honor Medal. (I'm sure if Flotsam had not been published the same year this book would have definitely been awarded the Caldecott Award as well.) The illustrations by Nelson are realistic and convey Harriet's struggles as well as her emotions. My favorite illustration is that of Harriet asleep in the woods. You see the animals of the woods around her, as if sent by God for protection. The image of Harriet on the front cover shows her absolute trust and faith in God. This is an important story as it tells of our nation's past and the issue of slavery as well as the story of the unselfish love and courage of one woman to free her people.
I have not read any other books by Carol Boston Weatherford. I feel she did a wonderful job of placing the reader in that time of our nations' history. She makes you feel as if Harriet is not alone on her journey, she has God with her always. Weatherford makes history come alive. I look forward to reading more of her work.
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