Before She Was Harriet

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

There are many stories about Harriet Tubman, but this picture book takes a slightly different slant. Starting when Tubman is an elderly woman, it moves back in time to illustrate all of the different roles taken on by this brave, pioneeing woman: suffragette, spy, nurse, aunt, daughter, to name a few. With beautiful, clear watercolor illustrations, one per page, the Ransomes capture the essense of Tubman and how extraordinary she really was. This book can be used with the youngest reader just learning about Tubman or a more informed, appreciative audience who will still be awed by all that this one woman accomplished in her life. A beautiful addition to a library's picture book biographies.

Overall Book Score: excellent