PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: MOSES

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2006. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786851759

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The story begins in the phase of Harriet Tubman’s adult life as a slave, with her praying to God to be freed from this type of harsh existence. God subsequently answers Tubman throughout her journey as she makes decisions to continue onward to a safe haven with the guidance of other anti-slavery sympathizers. Tubman reaches the freedom of Philadelphia, and then is guided through her strong belief in God, to assist others as part of the historical Underground Railroad movement. Her convictions are likened to that of the biblical Moses, as he followed God’s commands to free an enslaved people to a free land.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In a mixture of first-person narrations and third-person description of movements, Weatherford brings the reader into the time and place of Harriet’s trials within herself. We can imagine being there, alongside Harriet, in the swamps and in the wagons, hiding with her, while she prays to God for guidance.

Kadir Nelson’s dark blues and browns translate into somber images on pages showing Harriet traveling in fear and anxiety. In contrast, pages related to Harriet’s freedom are bright with joyous hues of gold. The large, double pages allow for distant viewing, making this a good book to share at story times.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tubman’s religious faith drives this handsome, poetic account of her escape to freedom and role in the Underground Railroad.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “In this gorgeous, poetic picture book, Weatherford (The Sound that Jazz Makes ) depicts Harriet Tubman's initial escape from slavery and her mission to lead others to freedom as divinely inspired, and achieved by steadfast faith and prayer.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Additional books and accompanying recordings can be found on slavery, Harriet Tubman, or the Underground Railroad, such as:
Lawrence, Jacob. HARRIET AND THE PROMISED LAND. ISBN 0671866737 (poetry)
Carlson, Judy. HARRIET TUBMAN: CALL TO FREEDOM. ISBN 0449903761 (biography)
Levine, Ellen. HENRY’S FREEDOM BOX. ISBN 0439777733X (Illustrated by Kadir Nelson)
Nolen, Jerdine. BIG JABE. ISBN 0688136621 (Illustrated by Kadir Nelson)