Who Was Harriet Tubman?

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

book

2019, Children's Books, History

WISE
85%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Solid, straightforward biography of an American hero who escaped slavery and led dozens to freedom—essential history for elementary readers.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, well-executed biography that does exactly what it's supposed to do: introduce elementary and middle school kids to Harriet Tubman's extraordinary life in an engaging, age-appropriate way. The 'Who Was?' series is a staple in schools and libraries for good reason—consistent quality, appropriate reading levels, and reliable historical content.

The book doesn't pull punches about slavery's brutality, which is good. Kids this age need to understand the reality of what Tubman escaped and why her work mattered so much. At the same time, it's not gratuitous or traumatizing—just honest.

Is it the most exciting format? No. It's a traditional chapter book biography with some illustrations. Kids who love graphic novels or more visual storytelling might find it a bit dry. But for building historical literacy and understanding one of America's most important heroes, it's a great choice. The 4.8 Amazon rating and widespread use in schools backs this up.

If your kid is doing a biography report or you're looking for accessible, meaningful historical reading, this is a strong pick.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12 (grades 3-7), which aligns perfectly with the publisher's guidance and reading level. The content is too heavy for most kids under 8, and by high school most students are ready for more detailed, adult-level accounts of Tubman's life.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Presents a difficult historical reality (slavery) in an age-appropriate way that emphasizes courage, resilience, and moral conviction. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh truths—whippings, near-death experiences, the dehumanization of slavery—but frames them through Tubman's heroic response. Models determination, compassion, and standing up for what's right. The tone is respectful and educational without being preachy.

Imaginative
72

Part of the 'Who Was?' biography series, which uses a straightforward narrative approach with illustrations. While it tells a genuinely remarkable story of escape, the Underground Railroad, and extraordinary bravery, the format is fairly traditional biography—not particularly innovative in structure. That said, Tubman's life itself is so cinematic and compelling that it naturally sparks curiosity about history, geography, and what-if scenarios. Kids will imagine the journey north, the risks, the courage required.

Safe
82

Books are generally safe, and this is no exception. The content deals with slavery's brutality in an honest but age-appropriate manner—violence is mentioned (whippings, near-fatal injury from an overseer) but not gratuitously detailed. For the target age (8-12, grades 3-7), this level of historical truth is appropriate and expected in a biography about someone who escaped slavery. No surprise content, no inappropriate material. The lower score reflects that sensitive kids or younger readers might find the slavery descriptions upsetting, though that's part of learning history.

Enriching
92

This is exactly the kind of book that builds historical literacy, empathy, and understanding of American history's most shameful chapter and the heroes who fought it. Kids learn about the Underground Railroad, the Civil War era, resistance to injustice, and one woman's incredible impact. Harriet Tubman is a genuine American hero whose story deserves to be known. The book provides context for ongoing conversations about race, freedom, and courage. Strong educational value with meaningful takeaways about perseverance and moral courage.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Introduces kids to one of the most important figures in American history in an accessible, age-appropriate format
  • Doesn't sugarcoat slavery but presents it honestly for the target age group (8-12)
  • Part of the reliable 'Who Was?' series that many schools and libraries use—consistent quality and reading level
  • Tubman's story is genuinely inspiring: escape, repeated dangerous missions to free others, service in the Civil War, and activism into old age
  • Opens doors to bigger conversations about courage, justice, and standing up against wrong even when it's dangerous
⚠

What to Watch For

  • The book doesn't avoid the violence of slavery—whippings and near-fatal injuries are mentioned. Most 8-12 year olds can handle this in historical context, but gauge your child's sensitivity
  • Some kids might have questions about why slavery existed or how people could treat others that way—be ready for those conversations
  • The 'Who Was?' series style is straightforward and educational, not particularly flashy or modern in format—some kids might find it dry compared to graphic novel biographies

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think gave Harriet Tubman the courage to go back and help others escape when she was already free?"
  • "Why do you think the Underground Railroad had to be secret? What would happen if slave owners found out?"
  • "Harriet Tubman was called 'Moses' because she led people to freedom. What other heroes in history have helped people escape danger?"
  • "If you lived back then, what do you think you would have done to help people who were enslaved?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Who Was Harriet Tubman?? Put this WISE score on your site