She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

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.)