Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple eBook gives a glimpse of Harriet's heroism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Harriet Tubman’s Road to Freedom
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Choose AutoPlay, Read to Me, or Read Myself to get started with HARRIET TUBMAN'S ROAD TO FREEDOM. The story introduces Harriet, her escape from slavery on the Underground Railroad, and then her work helping countless other enslaved people reach freedom. Unless kids choose, AutoPlay, they'll need to tap to advance after each page. Narrated versions include highlighted text as the reader moves through the story.
Is It Any Good?
This incredibly simple narrative just begins to introduce young kids to the life story and heroic work of an American icon. Harriet Tubman Road to Freedom is short and doesn't get into much detail, making it, as a story, most appropriate for really little ones (early preschool range) even though the topic may be intense. Given the difficult concepts inherent in Harriet's story, so parents should be prepared to answer questions kids may have. Beautiful graphics accompany the text and help bring the story to life. The narration is well done and it's nice to see the text highlighted so that kids can read along. It would be nice to see some additional supports such as discussion suggestions or background information. It would also be nice if the story were a bit more substantial in its narrative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Harriet's experiences in Harriet Tubman Road to Freedom. Why was what she did so important? Why did she help so many people? Where did she find the courage to do that?
If kids seem open to it, discuss the concept of slavery in a child-appropriate way. Find out what they understand already and what else they want to know. Why wasn't Harriet free? Why was it so important for her to be free and help others be free?
Though it can be hard to discuss difficult topics with kids, it's critical history for them to know. Find kid-appropriate resources to help you get started.
Is it different to read a book on a screen versus a traditional book? Why or why not? Do you like one format better than the other?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Subjects : Language & Reading : reading , reading comprehension , vocabulary , Social Studies : historical figures
- Skills : Responsibility & Ethics : integrity , respect for others
- Pricing structure : Paid ($.99)
- Release date : February 19, 2015
- Genre : Education
- Topics : Activism , History
- Publisher : Intuary
- Version : 1.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.0.3 and up
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate