Module 2 Book 1 Book ill. by Jerry Pinkney

A . Bibliography.
Schroeder, Alan. 1996. Minty: A story of young Harriet Tubman. Ill. By Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books: New York,NY. ISBN: 0803718896.

B. Plot Summary
A spirited young Harriet Tubman defies her white masters with the same intelligence and determination that she will later use to lead the underground railroad.

C.Critical Analysis (including cultural markers:
Even though the author and illustrator had to take some artistic liberties because not much is known about Harriet Tubman's childhood, many well researched details appear in the both the text and the illustrations. The illustrations realistically depict the bare, dark wooden cabins where the slaves lived and contrast their stark surroundings to the well-lit ,luxuriously appointed home of Mr. and Mrs. Brodas, the masters.

The clothing of the slaves is threadbare, but the colorful or striped kerchiefs worn by the women and girls as head coverings stand out and add a touch of color. This specific aspect of plantation life, as well as other authentic elements,such as the fact that the slaves ate blueberries ,were well researched by Jerry Pinkney at the Banneker-Douglas museum in Maryland.

The language of the characters is realistically shaped by their experience of opression and slavery. In richly symbolic language, Harriet's mother, Old Rit, warns Harriet that "If your head is in the lion's mouth, it's best to pat him a little."The dialogue of the characters is also filled with words where the endings are truncated. This gives the dialogue a more natural sound. For example, Old Rit, Minty's mother typically states, "There's somethin'I gotta say t'you."

In addition to providing well-researched details, Minty beautifully depicts the indomitable will and head strong spirit that will lead the young Harriet Tubman to freedom and define her risky life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Minty faces many heartaches and injustices,including brutal whippings,the burning of her precious doll and the sale of her friend. Yet, she refuses "to pat the lion's head" and her will to defy her oppressors prevails. After coming to grips with Minty's determination, her father teaches her to swim as well as how to survive in the wilderness by reading the trees and the stars.


This story depicts several strong African-American themes ,as identified by Violet Harris, including "slavery and its impact" and the " strength and resilience of African-American people in the face of adversity." The story of the bowed, but not defeated Harriet provides material that is self-affirming complete with a depiction of a strong,loving , if threatened African-American family in squalid and oppressive surroundings.

Pinkney's water colors and use of pencil further reinforce the message of the story. The dappled greens and blues are used to depict the comforting forest and the concealing water as sources of strength and knowledge for the future underground railroad conductor. In addition, readers are visually and symbolically assured in one small way that Minty will win out over her masters: She is usually depicted wearing a beautiful, bright red kerchief or turban that boldly stands out against the more muted backgrounds.


D.Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly:
Schroeder's (Ragtime Tumpie; Carolina Shout!) choice of lively vignettes rather than a more traditional biography is a wise one. With color and feeling he humanizes a historic figure, coaxing readers to imagine or research the rest of the story.



E.Connections
Teacher's might consider renting a Freedom Box-Traveling Trunk with scripts, props and educational materials from the National Underground Freedom Center, a national museum dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of the the Underground Railroad. http://www.freedomcenter.org/

Look for these and many other excellent children's books about Harriet Tubman and/or the underground railroad.

Weatherford, Carol Boston. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. Illustrated By Kadir Nelson. ISBN: 9780786851751

Ringgold,Faith. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the sky..
ISBN:0517587688

Clinton, Catherine. When Harriet met Soujorner.ill. by Shane W. Evans. ISBN:9780060504250