Harriet and the Promised Land

by Jacob Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence (Illustrator)

Overview

“A spiritual experience.” —The Boston Globe

Named Book of the Year by The New York Times, this spectacular picture book follows Harriet Tubman as she leads enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Told with sparse text and vividly rendered paintings, this story reimagines the well-known heroism of Harriet Tubman and captures to the urgency of her struggles to free as many people as possible and the anger, fear, and jubilation they feel along the perilous journey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780689809651
Publisher:	Aladdin
Publication date:	01/01/1997
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 11.50(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000) was an American painter known for his portrayal of African American historical subjects and contemporary life. He called his style “dynamic cubism” and drew inspiration from the shapes and colors of Harlem.

Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000) was an American painter known for his portrayal of African American historical subjects and contemporary life. He called his style “dynamic cubism” and drew inspiration from the shapes and colors of Harlem.

Editorial Reviews

This powerful tribute to the courage of Harriet Tubman provides an ideal introduction to the work of African American artist Lawrence. Tubman's life is dramatically portrayed in stunning artwork, bold with bright blocks of color and informed by a keen sense of symmetry. As Tubman leads slaves to freedom, their cloaks of red, yellow and vivid blue are illuminated against the landscape. Lawrence's paintings honor their subjects; they are alive with a movement and complexity that contrast well with the sparse simplicity of the text. Brief verse pares Tubman's experiences to their essence. The text seems simple (``Harriet, Harriet, / Born a slave, / Work for your master, / From your cradle / To your grave''), yet it resonates with a wealth of emotions--anger, fear, jubilation. The rhythmic pulse of the verse conveys constant danger, the howl of a bloodhound pack closing in. This moving and beautiful book will stimulate interest in the artist as well as in his subject. All ages. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly