Regular readers may notice a theme these past few weeks – I’ve been reading, and featuring, many picture book biographies. Not only do I enjoy learning about the past through these informative picture books, but I’m reading to learn more about the genre as I research and write picture book biographies, too. And as you read this, I’m attending a Highlights Foundation non-fiction master class with, among others, the author of these two fascinating biographies.
Before She Was Harriet
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher/Date: Holiday House Publishing, Inc./2017
Ages: 4-8
Themes: biography, African-American history, women’s history, slavery, underground railroad
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
A lush and lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman, written in verse and illustrated by an award-winning artist.
We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Read a review at Kirkus Reviews.
Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher/Date: A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/2012
Ages: 5-8
Themes: biography, African-American history, slavery, literacy
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The inspirational, true story of how Frederick Douglass found his way to freedom one word at a time.
This picture book biography chronicles the youth of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African American figures in American history. Douglass spent his life advocating for the equality of all, and it was through reading that he was able to stand up for himself and others. Award-winning husband-wife team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome present a moving and captivating look at the young life of the inspirational man who said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”
Read a review at Kirkus Reviews.
I paired these books because they are biographies of two famous 19th century African-Americans who escaped slavery and worked to abolish it. Although written by the same author, their stories are shared in very different ways. In Before She Was Harriet, Cline-Ransome relates the life of Harriet Tubman in verse, in reverse chronological order, beginning, and ending, at old age. Cline-Ransome utilizes names, titles and roles to describe Harriet during the distinct phases of her life in this life-spanning biography. In Words Set Me Free, Cline-Ransome uses first-person point-of-view to recount a short period in the life of Frederick Douglass, when he learned to read and shared that skill with fellow slaves. Despite the different approaches, both picture books reveal pivotal moments in the lives of these iconic figures.
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Definitely want to read these two, Patricia. Thanks for spotlighting them.