Moses by C. B. Weatherford

Bibliography:
Weatherford, C. B. 2006. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786851759

Plot Summary:
Weatherford’s picture book portrays the spiritual, emotional, and physical journey experienced by Harriet Tubman as she leaves her life as a slave to find freedom in Philadelphia. The book tells of her life as a slave, the hardship of her journey, fear of capture, and the courage to return to help other slaves to escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad, while always relying on her relationship with God. The author provides a forward describing the act of slavery and an end note that tells of Tubman’s life.

Critical Analysis:
This picture book focuses on the spiritual relationship Tubman had with God during her flight from slavery. The text helps convey the different voices that are expressed. Tubman’s words are set in a larger font style and size from the narrator’s words, while God’s voice is set apart again by even larger text in all caps that floats across the page.

The story begins with Tubman fearing being sold to another owner and her decision to flee. At that moment she begins her dialogue with God and that interaction drives the journey. The author is able to convey Tubman’s deep spirituality through her conversations with God and the inclusion of hymns throughout the text. Weatherford is able to show the horrors faced by Tubman through straightforward writing that avoids sentimentality. The fictionalized relationship is supported with the real life facts from Tubman’s life.

The writing is complemented by Kadir Nelson’s color illustrations. The rich colors help convey moods. During her flight, Nelson’s images show Tubman surrounded by dark tones and images that trap the figure which helps convey fear. In moments of joy, Nelson fills the image with light and open space. In one image Tubman is hiding in a pile of potatoes. The dark scene is broken by fragments of light that surround her acting like a halo or the physical presence of God. The images help deepen the feeling of spirituality.

Awards:
Coretta Scott King Award 2007
American Library Association Notable Books for Children 2007

Review Excerpts:
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “In this gorgeous, poetic picture book, Weatherford…depicts Harriet Tubman's initial escape from slavery and her mission to lead others to freedom as divinely inspired, and achieved by steadfast faith and prayer.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The words and pictures create a potent sense of the harsh life of slavery, the fearsome escape, and one woman's unwavering belief in God.”

Connections:
-Further Reading about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman:
-Levine, Ellen. …If you traveled on the Underground Railroad ISBN:0590451561
-Ringgold, Faith. Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky ISBN:0517885433
-Further reading about slavery that is illustrated by Kadir Nelson
-Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine ISBN: 043977733X
-This book can be used for discussions about Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, slavery, and spirituality