Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson is a 2007 Caldecott Honor book and won the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration. This picture book tells the story of Harriet Tubman, who born into slavery, escapes to freedom in the North. Once there she becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and returns to the South nineteen times bringing back groups of slaves each time, not once being caught or losing a slave.
Harriet Tubman relied deeply upon her faith in God. Her journey back and forth is very much a spiritual journey, as the voice of God guides her. Told in a lyrical text that incorporates the voice of both Harriet and God, the story flows well. I also loved the use of font. Enhancing the reading experience is a comprehensive author’s note that details the life of Harriet Tubman as well as a forward putting the text into context.
The illustrations by Kadir Nelson are dynamic, beautiful, and striking. Well deserved of the Caldecott. A picture book that should be read to all especially to introduce the story of one of the Underground Railroad’s most inspiring figures.
Visit Carole Boston Weatherford website and Kadir Nelson’s website.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom is part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month. Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans. Also reviewed this month: Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights by Russel Freedman, Letters from a Slave Girl, The Story of Harriet Jacobs by Mary E. Lyons, The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grime, The Well by Mildred D. Taylor, Freedom Walkers, The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Russell Freedman, Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges and Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson. Other reviews of interest: A Thousand Never Evers by Shana Burg, Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman.
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Category: Book Reviews, History/World Events, Nonfiction, Picture Books
Tags: Black history, historical fiction, M-P Title, slavery, U-Z Author
Enjoy this post? Then subscribe to receive updates in your favorite reader or by email.
I don’t think I’ve read this one. I’ll have to seek it out next time I’m at the library. I’ve just been loving Kadir Nelson this month
on February 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 pmI’ve seen this book, but never read it. I didn’t know Kadir Nelson was the illustrator until reading your review. Sounds good.
on February 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 amBecky – I wish I had time to get to his others about African-Americans this month for Black History Month. But I am just running out of time.
Jenn M. – I think you’ll enjoy it. Like Henry’s Freedom Box, the illustrations were beautiful.
on February 24th, 2009 at 12:09 am