by Patricia Pete with Ryan G. Van Cleave
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. – Harriet Tubman
This inspirational new biography of Harriet Tubman is perfect for middle grade readers (perhaps 7-10 years old and up). Beacon of Hope mixes vivid fictionalised stories of Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad helping enslaved people free themselves, and details of her extraordinary life. It opens with a vivid description of her leading a small group on a moonless night to a new life.
I thought I knew about Harriet Tubman, but there was much here that was new to me. We are lucky to have her own words, and these are used well throughout. The structure is helpful, with a proper glossary of terms at the end of each chapter, points for discussion, and imaginative exercises.
That this is a book from the United States is not a problem for readers elsewhere in the world as so much is explained. I would be confident using this as an introduction to the history of enslavement, but also as an example of extraordinary courage and a life well lived. I’ll be looking out for more from the Black History Heroes series.
Review by Bethan