Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman made a harrowing journey north, but her own emancipation was not enough for her. she knew that she had to help other enslaved people to be free. Ella Tubman served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, as well as working as a union spy, a nurse, and a supporter of the women’s suffrage movement. These Harriet Tubman books offer a deeper insight into her life for readers of all levels.
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harriet tubman children’s books
1. moses: when harriet tubman led his people to freedom, by carol boston weatherford
This Caldecott Honors Book and Coretta Scott King Award-winning picture book combines lyrical text with gorgeous illustrations to tell Tubman’s story. tells how he listened to the word of god telling him to seek freedom, then made 19 more journeys to help his fellow slaves make the same journey.
2. Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Petry
ann petry, deceased, was a reporter, activist, pharmacist, and teacher, best known for writing on the street. it was the first book by a black author to sell more than a million copies. Harriet Tubman’s Middle Grade biography of Ella is just as accessible and compelling. Also includes a foreword by National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds.
3. harriet tubman: the road to freedom, by catherine clinton
Documentation of Tubman’s work as a subway train driver is sparse, but Clinton is able to piece together one of the most profound portraits of her life. she also paints a detailed picture of the time, including depictions of the horrors of slave life, as well as introductions to other abolitionists who are less well known.
4. who was harriet tubman?, by yona zeldis mcdonough
part of who was it? A series of biographies aimed at children ages 8 to 12, this volume for school-age children does a good job of introducing children to Tubman’s life and times. is a good starter biography for more reluctant readers.
5. The Harriet Tubman Story: A Biographical Book for New Readers, by Christine Platt
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Part of the History of: series of books (another biography series aimed at early independent readers), this book incorporates full-color illustrations and informational graphics to present children with a complete picture of American slavery and the era of the civil war.
6. national geographic readers: harriet tubman, by barbara kramer
National Geographic brings its sterling reputation to this biography of Harriet Tubman for younger independent readers (ages 5-8). With colorful photographs, illustrations, and informative graphics, this book is a great introduction to Tubman’s life story.
7. The Harriet Tubman Story: Conductor of the Underground Railroad, by Kate McMullan
First published in 1990, this biography aimed at readers in grades 3-6 remains a top choice. McMullen’s thorough yet accessible text details how Tubman helped free more than 300 enslaved people as a driver. It also sheds more light on her work as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army.
8. i’m harriet tubman, by brad meltzer
The biography in this picture book is part of Meltzer’s series Ordinary People Change the World, which has been turned into a PBS children’s show. Eye-catching illustrations and a handy timeline give kids plenty to analyze and discuss.
9. liberty train: the harriet tubman story, by dorothy sterling
Published in 1987, this is one of Harriet Tubman’s most popular books, thanks to Sterling’s excellent research and compelling storytelling. The novelistic portrait of Tubman’s life intertwines with historical and spiritual dialogue and songs passed down through generations of enslaved people to provide a gripping portrait of Tubman’s life and times.
10. She Came to Kill: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman, by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
National Book Award Finalist Dunbar’s modern and engaging look at Tubman’s life is a must for older readers. With illustrations, photos (especially beyond the ones you see most often), and informative graphics, readers will get a lot out of this book, even skimming through it.
11. aunt harriet’s underground railway in the sky, by faith ringgold
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ringgold, award-winning author and illustrator, brings back her character cassie (from the tar beach picture book) to tell the story of tubman and the underground railroad. The book shines with gorgeous illustrations and the author’s commitment to not beating around the bush when it comes to talking about the atrocities of slavery.
12. the clandestine kidnapper: an abolitionist tale about harriet tubman, by nathan hale
Tubman and the Underground Railroad gets the graphic novel treatment as the fifth entry in Hale’s series of dangerous tales. Like the rest of his collection, Tubman’s story is presented in comic book style, with danger, comedy, and eye-catching artwork. tweens who respond to visual storytelling will get a lot from this, plus a helpful bibliography of other related works.
13. little people, big dreams: harriet tubman, by maria isabel sánchez vegara
By no means a complete account of her life, this biography of Harriet Tubman for preschoolers is a great starting point for younger students to gain insight into her incredible life and brave expeditions.
14. what was the underground railway?, by yona zeldis mcdonough
although apparently not about harriet tubman, this book’s summary of stories about “passengers” on the underground railway (which was neither underground nor railway) provides a useful foundation for children interested in learning more about Tubman’s favorite job. famous.
15. before i was harriet, by lesa cline-ransome
This multi-award winning picture book combines magnificent poetry and striking watercolor illustrations to tell the story of Tubman’s life. It begins with her as an old woman, traveling back in time to visit herself in the many roles she’s played throughout history.
Looking for more inspiring books to share with your students? Check out our list of Martin Luther King Jr. books for all ages.
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