Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 1993)

Starred Review This book was first published 25 years ago but has been reissued with a new introduction by Lawrence. Combining a spare, rhythmic text with a stunning series of narrative paintings, it tells the story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped from slavery but returned to the South 19 times to lead more than 300 people to freedom in the North. Some were afraid, / But none turned back, / For close at their heels / Howled the bloodhound pack. Like the words, the pictures are full of urgency and directed movement; the figures--stark, strong, and simplified--blend in shape and color with the forest world that hides them and helps them escape to the North. Harriet is like a great protective angel; her brown hand, huge and powerful, is like the spreading roots and branches of the trees. And always the North Star shines at the top edge of the painting to light the runaways' flight to freedom. In word and image, Lawrence shows and tells how story can inspire you: Harriet as a child heard the story of Moses; Lawrence as a child heard about Harriet; now his book tells children about this strong brave woman who led her people on the perilous journey to the Promised Land. (Reviewed Oct. 1, 1993)

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1993)

A welcome reissue of one of the first children's books illustrated by an African-American artist, the striking, oversized book tells the heroic story of Harriet Tubman, 'born a slave.' The bold, angular pictures, in pure, contrasting colors, are composed like murals; their power gives the book dramatic impact for reading aloud.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a starred review of this tribute to Harriet Tubman, PW praised Lawrence's """"stunning"""" paintings and noted, """"This moving and beautiful book will stimulate interest in the artist as well as his subject."""" All ages. (Jan.)