Harriet Tubman is one of the most revered figures in American history, known for her courageous work on the Underground Railroad and her efforts to free enslaved people in the 19th century. Her story has been told in various formats books, documentaries, and artworks. One unique portrayal of Harriet Tubman comes from the work of Yona Zeldis McDonough, a well-known author of children’s historical books. In this topic, we will explore who Harriet Tubman was and how Yona Zeldis contributed to educating younger generations about this American hero through accessible storytelling and historical writing.
Harriet Tubman’s Early Life and Escape from Slavery
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was born into slavery and endured a harsh life from a young age. Her family was frequently separated, and she was forced into labor while still a child. Harriet suffered physical abuse and poor health, including a severe head injury that caused lifelong episodes of narcolepsy and visions that she considered divine guidance.
In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery. With the help of the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and secret routes, she traveled nearly 90 miles to Pennsylvania, a free state. But Harriet didn’t stop there. Motivated by a strong sense of justice and a desire to free her loved ones, she returned to the South several times to rescue others from bondage.
Harriet Tubman’s Role in the Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad it was a secret system of people, routes, and safe houses used to help enslaved individuals reach freedom. Harriet Tubman became one of the most effective and daring conductors of this network.
- She made approximately 13 missions into slave-holding states.
- She helped rescue around 70 people, mostly family and friends.
- She never lost a single passenger during her journeys.
Tubman was known for her strategic planning, bravery, and relentless dedication. She used the cover of night, codes, and songs to communicate and guide her missions, all while putting herself at immense personal risk.
Her Involvement in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a spy, nurse, and scout for the Union Army. Her knowledge of Southern terrain and survival tactics made her invaluable. One of her most notable contributions was leading a military expedition during the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina, where she helped liberate over 700 enslaved people. This made her one of the few women, and the only African American woman, to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War.
Harriet Tubman’s Legacy
After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to fight for justice. She supported women’s suffrage and established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. Though she struggled financially, her legacy endured long after her death in 1913.
Today, Harriet Tubman is remembered not just as a hero of African American history, but as an enduring symbol of courage, resistance, and compassion. Her life is celebrated in museums, monuments, literature, and even proposals to feature her image on U.S. currency.
Yona Zeldis McDonough and the Children’s Book on Harriet Tubman
Yona Zeldis McDonough is a prolific writer of historical books for children. Among her most notable works is her biography of Harriet Tubman, written to inspire and educate younger audiences. Her storytelling makes complex historical narratives accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant for children.
About the Author
Yona Zeldis McDonough is an American writer known for her work in both fiction and non-fiction. She often collaborates with her mother, painter Malcah Zeldis, who provides illustrations for several of her books. Through vivid language and captivating imagery, McDonough introduces young readers to critical figures in history, including Harriet Tubman, Anne Frank, and Clara Lemlich.
Harriet Tubman by Yona Zeldis McDonough
McDonough’s biography of Harriet Tubman is part of the ‘Who Was?’ series a collection of books that present the lives of important historical figures. The book on Harriet Tubman presents her incredible journey from slavery to freedom in a way that is appropriate and inspiring for children. It discusses her faith, her struggles, and her unwavering belief in human dignity.
- Simple, clear language makes the book easy to understand.
- Illustrations and timelines help children visualize historical events.
- Key moments from Tubman’s life are highlighted to spark interest.
This book serves as an excellent introduction to Tubman’s life and values, encouraging young readers to think critically about history, justice, and bravery.
The Importance of Retelling Harriet Tubman’s Story
Stories like Harriet Tubman’s must be told repeatedly and from many perspectives. Yona Zeldis McDonough’s contribution ensures that Tubman’s legacy reaches children who might not yet be ready for more academic texts. These early introductions can leave lasting impressions, helping to shape how future generations understand race, freedom, and activism.
Whether through detailed biographies, children’s literature, or popular media, the message remains powerful: Harriet Tubman’s life was one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and purpose. And authors like McDonough play a vital role in keeping her memory alive.
Harriet Tubman’s life story is a cornerstone of American history, filled with resilience and determination. From her brave escapes and leadership on the Underground Railroad to her efforts in the Civil War and her support for elderly African Americans in her later years, her contributions are profound. Yona Zeldis McDonough’s writing ensures that Tubman’s story reaches young readers, passing on a message of hope and strength. Learning about Harriet Tubman through the lens of children’s literature not only preserves her legacy but also makes it relevant and meaningful to the next generation.