Publishers Weekly
★ 01/11/2021
In this chapter book series opener expanding upon Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger’s She Persisted picture book series, Coretta Scott King Award winner Pinkney (The Red Pencil) presents an accessible portrait of American abolitionist, activist, nurse, and spy Harriet Tubman. In a brief introduction, Clinton explains that she “wanted all of us to see examples of persistence in the face of different challenges to help inspire us in our own lives”; Boiger provides cover art that embodies this sentiment. Pinkney then launches into how Harriet Tubman, born enslaved, persevered not only to gain her own freedom, but helped many others gain liberation through the Underground Railroad. Pinkney’s six-chapter narrative spans from Tubman’s birth until her later years as a spy for the Union Army, allowing readers an in-depth review of Tubman’s life, while interior artist Flint delivers powerfully tender black-and-white mixed media images of Tubman’s journey. With activities and resources “to honor Harriet Tubman’s determination and bravery,” an interactive final section titled “How You Can Persist” challenges young readers to think about how they too can persist beyond the pages of this luminous first installment. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–9. Agent: (for Pinkney) Rebecca Sherman, Writers House; (for Flint) James Burns, the Bright Agency. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
Praise for She Persisted: Harriet Tubman:
* "This chapter-book biography humanizes [Tubman] and brings her to life . . . Pinkney and Flint have created a standout series opener." --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW*
* "Pinkney presents an accessible portrait of American abolitionist, activist, nurse, and spy Harriet Tubman . . . luminous." --Publishers Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW*
"The story-like text moves along at a brisk pace, relating anecdotes that will appeal to young readers . . . and the simple line drawings that appear every few pages add nuance." --Booklist
"This engaging biography is a quick but informative read and well-matched for the intended audience." --School Library Journal
School Library Journal
02/01/2021
Gr 2–4—Fast-paced, short chapters and a conversational tone make this entry in the "She Persisted" series an accessible and appealing choice for new readers. The text unpacks Harriet Tubman's motivations in an honest but child-appropriate manner. Perhaps most valuable is Pinkney's frank discussion of slavery. At the beginning of the book, the text explains, "Minty and her parents were considered property, in the same way people had objects like a tea kettle or a hammer that belonged to them. That's what slavery was—White people owning Black people." The text describes how people could be sold, just like objects, and the devastating impact that system had on enslaved families. Pinkney shows respect for her audience by using direct language, clearly demonstrating why Tubman made difficult and brave decisions throughout her life. Shorter than biographies in the "Who Was" and "I Am" series, this title relates incidents from different parts of Tubman's life to provide an overarching view of her accomplishments. Black-and-white illustrations further humanize Tubman. VERDICT This engaging biography is a quick but informative read and well-matched for the intended audience.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's Sch., Richmond, VA
MAY 2021 - AudioFile
Bahni Turpin’s clear and forceful narration highlights the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman in this accessible biography for children. The work doesn’t shy away from the realities of slavery but gives a clear understanding of the lives of enslaved people while also illuminating their faith, pride, and love through the lens of Tubman’s story. Turpin compassionately captures young Minty’s [Harriet] longing for freedom, along with the determination that led her to escape enslavement as an adult. Listeners hear of her bravery as she helped to guide others to freedom on the Underground Railroad, as well as her work as a Union spy. The title begins with a note narrated by Chelsea Clinton, which sets the tone for the launch of the SHE PERSISTED series of biographies for children. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
MAY 2021 - AudioFile
Bahni Turpin’s clear and forceful narration highlights the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman in this accessible biography for children. The work doesn’t shy away from the realities of slavery but gives a clear understanding of the lives of enslaved people while also illuminating their faith, pride, and love through the lens of Tubman’s story. Turpin compassionately captures young Minty’s [Harriet] longing for freedom, along with the determination that led her to escape enslavement as an adult. Listeners hear of her bravery as she helped to guide others to freedom on the Underground Railroad, as well as her work as a Union spy. The title begins with a note narrated by Chelsea Clinton, which sets the tone for the launch of the SHE PERSISTED series of biographies for children. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2020-11-18
A loving tribute to Harriet Tubman kicks off a chapter-book series spinoff of the She Persisted books created by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger.
There are many books written about the incredible historical figure that is Harriet Tubman. This chapter-book biography humanizes “Minty” and brings her to life in ways many other texts for children do not. With language that reflects contemporary usage (enslaved people rather than slaves in most cases) and makes clear the brutality of the period, Pinkney introduces young readers to intimate details of Tubman’s life, referring to her subject as Minty during her youth and Harriet after her marriage. Readers will meet Minty’s loving parents, Old Rit and Old Ben, wince at the cruelty of the Brodess family and other people who trafficked enslaved people, and cheer for Harriet as she navigates the complexities and intersectionality of surviving as a Black woman in the pre-emancipation United States. Pinkney’s powerful prose details Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad and, later, as a Union spy—and her fruitless advocacy for a pension afterward. Flint’s grayscale artwork, done to emulate Boiger’s style, gracefully accompanies the writing, creating a mood that explores the gravity of Tubman’s life and deeds while still making her approachable. This is the first of 13 books, to be published one per month, that will bring the stories of monumental women to the forefront.
Pinkney and Flint have created a standout series opener. (activity guide, further reading, websites) (Biography. 6-10)
