Harriet Tubman: Force of Nature

This illustrated book is a testament to Harriet Tubman’s legacy from her work on the Underground Railroad and the impact she left on the people she met. Though short in nature, this book can concisely cover Harriet’s beginnings to her retirement years. There are no words to describe just how important her work was to free enslaved people and her work with the Union Army. It is phenomenal just how much of a “force of nature” she was.

The poems in this book are smooth and lyrical. Some feel upbeat like a hip-hop song, while others stand out like a mellow ballad. Each one manages to cover different eras of Harriet’s life while also being full of emotion. It felt like the words were speaking directly to the reader, which only made the reading experience much more impactful.

The illustration style uses a mixed media collage style along with vibrant acrylics and pastels. The use of family photos the author used to base the illustrations of the people, made it that much more special. There are small details on each page that catch the reader’s eye such as newsprint from the era for the clothing of the enslaved people. It brings awareness to their stories and journeys to freedom.

This is a great read for those who enjoy learning about history and a good starting point for younger readers to learn about Harriet’s life. It is a beautiful book from the story to the illustrations!