I Am Harriet Tubman by Brad Meltzer & Christopher Eliopoulos (Picture Book Review)

I Am Harriet Tubman

by Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Series: Ordinary People Change the World

Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers

on January 16, 2018

Length: 40 pages

Age Group: 5-8 years

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Synopsis:

Harriet Tubman's heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the fourteenth picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series. 

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume focuses on Harriet Tubman's brave heroism as part of the movement to abolish slavery. As one of the key players in the Underground Railroad, she helped enslaved African Americans escape and find freedom. 

My Thoughts:

"I am Harriet Tubman. Follow Me. I will lead the way to freedom."

I Am Harriet Tubman is a kid-friendly look into the life of the infamous Harriet Tubman, whom not only 'conducted' the Underground Railroad and helped many slaves reach freedom in the North, but also became the first American woman to lead an army raid in the Civil War.

One of the neat things about the Ordinary People Change the World series is that they are all told in 'first person'. The person of interest (Harriet) narrates her life to us, in both text and thought bubbles. I thought this helped put us right into the story and made reading it a lot more entertaining. 

The only odd thing to note is that we start out with the young version of Harriet and even though her life progresses well into old age, she visually never changes and remains as she was on the first page. I kind of like this idea because it helps kids identify with the people in the books and can see themselves doing grown-up things.

This is one of many similar biographies in the Ordinary People Change the World series and I am so glad this series exists. Each illustrates a life that has changed the world for the better. 

We have otherwise only read I Am Jane Goodall from this series but are looking forward to more! 

Looking for more biographies or books about women that have changed the world? Check these out!

Happy reading!