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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cline-Ransome, Lesa and James E. Ransome. BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET. New York: Holiday House, 2017. ISBN: 9780823420476.

PLOT SUMMARY

At the start we are presented to an old woman, Harriet Tubman, who throughout the story in seen in different roles which impacted so many people.  Before being an old lady, Harriet was a suffragist, becoming a voice for many women.  Harriet was General Truman who led many to freedom.  Harriet was a Union spy fighting to end slavery.  Harriet was a nurse, providing care for the wounded.  Harriet was Aunt Harriet, who aided her parents to freedom to  a start of a new life.  Harriet was Moses a conductor of the Underground Railroad.  Harriet was Minty belonging to different slave owners who were never able to break her sprit.  Harriet was Araminta, who as a girl was taught to read the woods and the night.  This girl who not only wanted to live a long life but a life of freedom. 

ANALYSIS

In this picture book written in free verse, we witness the strength and courage of Harriet Tubman.  We read about her dream to become free one day and how she unselfishly risked her life to help others become free as well.   Through this book, students will learn about the struggles of African Americas as slaves as well as knowing about an important person who contributed to making life better for African Americans by escaping slavery.

SETTING

The clothing used in the story depict the time of the setting as well as diversity.  White women are dressed in elegant dresses with their matching hats while Harriet wears a simple long dress with a handkerchief around her neck and what seems to be a turban on her head. 

ILLUSTRATION ANALYSIS

The illustrations done in watercolors are very detailed and complement the text in each page very well.  Harriet is illustrated in a way that one can read the emotions she is going through in the different characters she undertakes: determination, care, love, passion, hopeful and strength.   

THEME

The theme of this story is bravery.  Through the various roles, some being more dangerous  than others, Harriet Truman showed bravery to save and help others as well as herself.  It is not easy to risk your life for others as she did. 

CULTURAL MARKERS

In the book, there is evidence that the story is based on correct facts about the culture that can be collaborated.  These facts include the time where events such as the women’s suffrage movement, the Civil War and the Underground Railroad were taking place.  A time where African Americans were slaves,  a war going on to grant them their freedom and some risking their lives to gain it.   

Based on the author’s note, Lesa Cline-Ransome is an author whose work is focused on African American History.  She has two books recognized as ALA Notable Books.  The illustrator, James E. Ransome has received various recognitions for his work to include a Coretta Scott King Medal, Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and NAACP Image Awards.

CONNECTIONS

Harriet Tubman took on many different roles.  Students can work in small groups, choose one of the roles and write a short script and act it out for the rest of the classmates.  Without saying the name, the other students will have to guess which role they are representing. 

Read this Q&A session with the author and illustrator of Before She Was Harriet.

https://simonandschusterpublishing.com/thebookpantry/ransomes.html

 

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