Harriet Tubman: Moses of the Underground Railroad (African-American Biographies)

Rating:
Summary: Utilitarian biography at best
Review: I reviewed this book as part of a Children's Literature assignment for my master's degree in Library Science:

This book is part of the "Great African Americans" series. It is a fine example of many of the problems with children's biography. The writing is so simplified that it just sounds silly, and talks down to children. It portrays Paul as the victim that fought back, without any shortcomings on his part. It brings up difficult topics without any explanation. For example, it mentions communism, and that Paul had trouble getting jobs because he was friendly with communists. The glossary definition of communists? "Those who believe in the form of government that was practiced in the Soviet Union until recently." (p.30) That said, there is some use for this book. The facts they choose to include are easily accessible, thanks to a thorough index. However, there is no suggestion as to sources of any of these facts. There are photographs and sketches sprinkled liberally throughout, which lets the reader see and imagine Paul Robeson. Kids will love the book because it gets the boring biography assignment and the boring Black History Month assignment out of the way with one small, utilitarian book which fits neatly in a backpack. Aimed at kids in grades K-2.

Rating:
Summary: Utilitarian biography at best
Review: I reviewed this book as part of a Children's Literature assignment for my master's degree in Library Science:

This book is part of the "Great African Americans" series. It is a fine example of many of the problems with children's biography. The writing is so simplified that it just sounds silly, and talks down to children. It portrays Paul as the victim that fought back, without any shortcomings on his part. It brings up difficult topics without any explanation. For example, it mentions communism, and that Paul had trouble getting jobs because he was friendly with communists. The glossary definition of communists? "Those who believe in the form of government that was practiced in the Soviet Union until recently." (p.30) That said, there is some use for this book. The facts they choose to include are easily accessible, thanks to a thorough index. However, there is no suggestion as to sources of any of these facts. There are photographs and sketches sprinkled liberally throughout, which lets the reader see and imagine Paul Robeson. Kids will love the book because it gets the boring biography assignment and the boring Black History Month assignment out of the way with one small, utilitarian book which fits neatly in a backpack. Aimed at kids in grades K-2.