Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who went on to become a saviour to many, an abolitionist and anti-slavery activist. Born into slavery in around 1822, Tubman escaped to freedom, and subsequently made some thirteen missions back to the south, helping to rescue around 70 families using a network of safe houses known as the underground railroad.
When the Civil War began, Tubman worked for the Union Army and was the first woman to lead an armed expedition when she led the raid at Combahee Ferry, which liberated more then 700 slaves.
Tubman died on 10th March 1913 and became an icon of American courage and freedom. The date is marked as Harriet Tubman Day and today we’re recommending five books that we think capture her spirit.
The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead
No list of books from this period would be complete without The Underground Railroad, the award winning and groundbreaking bestseller of last year. While a novel, the book tells the story of escaped slaves well and is an important read for those wanting to find out more about this period of American history.
12 Years a Slave – Solomon Northup
Solomon Northup’s memoir of a black man born free and then sold into bondage is a harrowing read. Made into a movie it won several awards and is one of the most important books from this period of history.
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom – Catherine Clinton
If it’s Tubman you want to learn more about then this biography is a great place to start. A complete story of Tubman’s life, from slave to abolitionist, it makes for riveting reading.
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom US
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom UK
Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of America’s Fugitive Slaves – Eric Foner
Pulitzer Prize winning author, Foner here tells the story of three men who as part of the underground railroad helped more than 3,000 fugitive slaves to freedom.
The Book of Awesome Women – Becca Anderson
And if all of that has left you wanted to read about more brilliant ‘sheroes’ from history then The Book of Awesome Women should leave you feeling like you can achieve anything at all!
For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2024
10 of 2024’s Most Anticipated Reads
The For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2023
Are You Willing to Unite Against Book Bans?
Roald Dahl Censorship Creates Grotesque Versions of Classics