Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Humanizing story of a fierce, tender, trailblazing woman.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHE PERSISTED tells the life story of Harriet "Minty" Tubman, an enslaved woman who not only escaped to freedom herself but returned many times to help other enslaved people escape, too. Born to a loving family kept by a harsh enslaver, young Harriet was rented out to other families most of her childhood. As an adult, when she heard she was going to be sold, she decided she had to run away to freedom. She relied on a network of helpers called the Underground Railroad to get to safety. She risked her life by going back many times to help other enslaved people to freedom.
Is It Any Good?
Authors Andrea Davis Pinkney and Chelsea Clinton use clear writing and a relatable family to help young readers make an emotional connection to this remarkable American. She Persisted: Harriet Tubman is perfectly age appropriate, sharing history in a way that makes it easy to understand what has happened in the past and bring those lessons into the present. The hard realities of Tubman's life are shown with authenticity, and the section offering ways to honor her legacy is a wonderful opportunity for reflection and action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Harriet's early life shaped her future, as shown in She Persisted: Harriet Tubman. What have been the big moments in your life so far? Have they changed you?
In what ways can you work to help make things right in your own community, in your school, in your neighborhood?
What other books have you read about important women in history? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrators : Alexandra Boiger , Gillian Flint
- Genre : Biography
- Topics : Activism , History
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : January 5, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 80
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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