Nonfiction Book Blog - 2

TITLE: Before She was Harriet

AUTHOR: Lesa Cline-Ransome

ILLUSTRATOR: James E. Ransome

PUBLISHER: Holiday House

COPYRIGHT: November 7, 2017

# OF PAGES: 32 Pages
GENRE: NON-FICTION

            Before She was Harriet is a book about Harriet Tubman and the many names throughout her life. The book starts in her old age and backtracks until she is a little girl. Harriet Tubman was a suffragist and took a stand for others who had no freedom. The book tells of the courage of Harriet by the many names she went by and her bringing people to freedom. As General Tubman she brought over 700 slaves into freedom and escaped the rebels. As Union spy she carried secrets. As a nurse she cared for those who were hurt on the outside and inside. The story continues to tell of how she became Harriet from a little girl to a free, old woman.

        

       

  James E. Ransome does a stunning job with the watercolors and details of the people. All of his illustrations include several lines and captures the texture of objects like blankets, clothing, and water. His color choices are warm and rich to parallel the warm and courageous story of Harriet. James adds a lot of emotion to his illustrations causing the reader to feel as Harriet felt.

         Content Area and Grade: Social Studies 2^nd Grade

SS.AAS.2.2- Define and recognize examples of equality, justice, and responsibility for the common good using historical figures who display democratic values.

SS.2.2- Identify national historical figures and celebrations that exemplify fundamental democratic values, including equality, justice, and responsibility for the common good.

SS.2.10- Identify ways people throughout the country are affected by their human and physical environments.

         For this book, a teacher can have students research more about Harriet Tubman and all her contributions she made during the Civil War. The teacher can have students recognize ways Harriet brought justice to her people and connect it to how they can bring justice to current situations within their community or school. A teacher could also have students explain how the Civil War affected a person’s human and physical environment.

         For an ELL student, a teacher could have them research about the Civil War and ways it would have affected them. The ELL student can even talk to the class about a historical figure that contributed to their native country and brought justice to a situation. The ELL student can talk about how America affects their human and physical environment as an immigrant.