A look back in our history: A story of "Who was Harriett Tubman" By: Yona Zeldis

This book is part of a series by the brilliant author Yona Zeldis. It’s the who’s who series. She has a wide range of books for children that really gives a great true story for each book.

“Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone's property; she was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she first heard about the Underground Railroad, which she traveled by herself north to Philadelphia. Throughout her long life (she died at the age of ninety-two) and long after the Civil War brought an end to slavery, this amazing woman was proof of what just one person can do.” (Scholastic)

Harriet Tubman is a women who is known for leading 100s of slaves from slavery. The path that she lead them though was and still is known as the “Underground Rail Road.”

This particular book follows Harriet Tubman’s life and some major events throughout her life. It talks about her life after having her children the things her children had to endure during this time in our history along with mentioning some other well known African American slaves from her time.

“Who Was Harriet Tubman” is fantastic book with great details that can and will hold the attention of young readers. This is a great book and series to provide young readers with because of the great details that aren't available in a great deal of other books for young readers.

Discussion Questions for the reader:

·         If you were Harriet Tubman or any of her children do you think you could have been as brave as they were?

·         Why do you think so many people view Harriet Tubman as a hero?

·         Do you think that during this time Harriet Tubman was scared during all of her travels back and fourth to Philadelphia?

Activity:

Have the children write a short story on Harriet Tubman life from their own point of view. Have them add details to the story that weren't already in the story. Allow them the opportunity to research Harriet Tubman n and complete a short story on what they find. Then have them present their story to the class.

For other books in this Who’s Who series along with other books please see the following:

s  Who Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

s  Who Was Louis Armstrong?

s  The Cats in the Doll Shop

s  You Were Meant for Me

s  Who Was John F. Kennedy?: Who Was...?

Yona Zeldis

Resources: 

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/who-was-harriet-tubman#cart/cleanup