From Publishers Weekly
This powerful tribute to the courage of Harriet Tubman provides an ideal introduction to the work of African American artist Lawrence. Tubman's life is dramatically portrayed in stunning artwork, bold with bright blocks of color and informed by a keen sense of symmetry. As Tubman leads slaves to freedom, their cloaks of red, yellow and vivid blue are illuminated against the landscape. Lawrence's paintings honor their subjects; they are alive with a movement and complexity that contrast well with the sparse simplicity of the text. Brief verse pares Tubman's experiences to their essence. The text seems simple ("Harriet, Harriet, / Born a slave, / Work for your master, / From your cradle / To your grave"), yet it resonates with a wealth of emotions--anger, fear, jubilation. The rhythmic pulse of the verse conveys constant danger, the howl of a bloodhound pack closing in. This moving and beautiful book will stimulate interest in the artist as well as in his subject. All ages. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 6 and up. This book was first published 25 years ago but has been reissued with a new introduction by Lawrence. Combining a spare, rhythmic text with a stunning series of narrative paintings, it tells the story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped from slavery but returned to the South 19 times to lead more than 300 people to freedom in the North. "Some were afraid, / But none turned back, / For close at their heels / Howled the bloodhound pack." Like the words, the pictures are full of urgency and directed movement; the figures--stark, strong, and simplified--blend in shape and color with the forest world that hides them and helps them escape to the North. Harriet is like a great protective angel; her brown hand, huge and powerful, is like the spreading roots and branches of the trees. And always the North Star shines at the top edge of the painting to light the runaways' flight to freedom. In word and image, Lawrence shows and tells how story can inspire you: Harriet as a child heard the story of Moses; Lawrence as a child heard about Harriet; now his book tells children about this strong brave woman who led her people on the "perilous journey" to the Promised Land. Hazel Rochman
Card catalog description
A brief biography in verse about Harriet Tubman and her dedicated efforts to lead her fellow slaves to freedom.
Harriet and the Promised Land ANNOTATION
A brief biography in verse about Harriet Tubman and her dedicated efforts to lead her fellow slaves to freedom.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Renowned African-American artist Jacob Lawrence explores the historic tale of Harriet Tubman. With spectacular artwork and rhythmic verse, Lawrence captures the urgency of Tubman's struggles as she courageously leads slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. 1993 Parents' Choice Award. Full color.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
This powerful tribute to the courage of Harriet Tubman provides an ideal introduction to the work of African American artist Lawrence. Tubman's life is dramatically portrayed in stunning artwork, bold with bright blocks of color and informed by a keen sense of symmetry. As Tubman leads slaves to freedom, their cloaks of red, yellow and vivid blue are illuminated against the landscape. Lawrence's paintings honor their subjects; they are alive with a movement and complexity that contrast well with the sparse simplicity of the text. Brief verse pares Tubman's experiences to their essence. The text seems simple (``Harriet, Harriet, / Born a slave, / Work for your master, / From your cradle / To your grave''), yet it resonates with a wealth of emotions--anger, fear, jubilation. The rhythmic pulse of the verse conveys constant danger, the howl of a bloodhound pack closing in. This moving and beautiful book will stimulate interest in the artist as well as in his subject. All ages. (Oct.)
Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot
Lawrence offers bold, powerful paintings and a succinct text that vividly capture the drama of Harriet Tubman's lifelong struggle to free her people from slavery. Tubman who escaped from slavery risked her life to return many tomes to the South to lead people to freedom. It is an incredibly moving story of a determined and daunting woman. A New York Times Best Illustrated Book and a Parents' Choice Award winner.
Children's Literature - Deborah Zink Roffino
With very little text, the focus here is on the paintings. Arresting contrasts mark the art of Jacob Lawrence. Here, he has added a few melodic lines of biographical poetry to share the true story of Harriet Tubman. The paintings, full of the details of slavery and clandestine journeys along the underground railroad, stir readers to feel the excitement of a young women bound to find a way to free her people.
BookList - Hazel Rochman
. This book was first published 25 years ago but has been reissued with a new introduction by Lawrence. Combining a spare, rhythmic text with a stunning series of narrative paintings, it tells the story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped from slavery but returned to the South 19 times to lead more than 300 people to freedom in the North. "Some were afraid, / But none turned back, / For close at their heels / Howled the bloodhound pack." Like the words, the pictures are full of urgency and directed movement; the figures--stark, strong, and simplified--blend in shape and color with the forest world that hides them and helps them escape to the North. Harriet is like a great protective angel; her brown hand, huge and powerful, is like the spreading roots and branches of the trees. And always the North Star shines at the top edge of the painting to light the runaways' flight to freedom. In word and image, Lawrence shows and tells how story can inspire you: Harriet as a child heard the story of Moses; Lawrence as a child heard about Harriet; now his book tells children about this strong brave woman who led her people on the "perilous journey" to the Promised Land.
Art & Photography
Book Info
