This book tells about young Harriett Tubman and her childhood. She was a slave that dreamed of freedom. I would use this in my classroom in order to talk about harsh topics such as slavery and racism.

They called her "Minty." When she grew up, she became Harriet Tubman, the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But she was just a little girl for a while—and this is her story. Minty, short for Araminta, was a feisty and headstrong young slave, whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. She told stories to her doll, released animals from traps, and, above all, dreamed of running away. And when her father began to teach her the skills necessary for escape, she listened carefully, and learned. . . .

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman describes the childhood of slave Harriet Tubman, as her father teaches her to follow the North Star in order to escape slavery. This book describes the determination and fearlessness of the girl who would one day be a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Minty is an excellent depiction of the harsh realities of slavery in the pre-Civil War South. After reading it, one can understand the seriousness and dedication with which Harriet Tubman approached her job of conductor on the Underground Railroad. This book can be used in conjunction with social studies units on the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, or social justice issues. It's also an excellent resource to study characterization, as the fearlessness and determination of the young girl in the book makes it easy to understand the Harriet Tubman who became a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. (less) ( )

In 1844 Harriet Tubman made a successful escape from a plantation in Maryland. In this book we learn of the young Harriet Tubman, nicknamed “Minty”, as she learns the skills that were eventually used in her adulthood to help numerous of others escape slavery. The book gives a new take on the life of Harriet Tubman. The people in her young life gave her the courage and skillset to become the woman that she was. I appreciate the detail that this account of Harriet Tubman’s life gives which gives insight into her young life. It makes it easier for younger children to relate to her story by sharing what she may have been like as a child. It is important for all of us to realize that behind every amazing person there are many that guided, taught and encouraged. The colorful watercolor illustrations bring the story to life and are detailed and beautiful. ( )

Summary:
This book follows the life of young Harriet Tubman. Minty (Harriet Tubman) was a feisty slave girl who was sent to field work after disobeying her "mistress." Minty liked being outside, and dreamed of running away. The book shows the cruelty of slavery, and some of the things that Harriet Tubman went through. It doesn't speak much of her life after escaping slavery and leading many to freedom through the underground railroad. It is a biography of her life as a child slave and her continuous plans for escaping.

Personal Reflection:
The illustrations in this book are great, but anything about this period of our history makes me sad. I am fascinated by our history but I will never understand how people did this. Harriet Tubman was a strong woman, and child.

Classroom Extension:
1.) I could use this book as part of a lesson plan regarding the underground railroad.
2.) We could discuss all the different things that showed how strong Harriet Tubman was.