ISBN 014056196
One of the greatest gifts to give a child is someone to really admire, a sort of hero or heroine. Alan Schroeder's book, MINTY, is just that! MINTY is a fictionalized biography and chronicles the life of a young Harriet Tubman, an Arican-American girl constrained by slavery in Maryland during the 1820's.
Minty, a nickname for Araminta, is an unhappy slave and constantly thinks of running away, the main idea of this story. She is feisty and independent and not willing to abide by the rules set by the slave owners. Despite counsel from her mother and other slaves in the Brodas plantation, Minty always seems to get a "whipping". Her dream of freedom burns even more brightly as she is whipped for releasing the muskrats from their traps set underwater. This is one of the many qualities about Minty that is admirable, her selflessness. Her father, recognizing her desire for freedom, teaches her survival skills, such as: swimming, following the stars, catching fish, and many more that will be useful in her mission to freedom and when she grows up to become the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad.
Slavery was a strong topic for me during my earlier school years. As I got older and began to understand histrorical events and form my own philosophical arguments, I had a greater interest in Slavery in the United States, taking particular interest in Harriet Tubman. The various information I had gathered about this courageous and heroic woman in her mission to free slaves was powerful in itself, but not as powerful as the noble spirit of her childhood in slavery--this captured her true life and spirit.
I enjoyed this book because it provides many oppurtunities to encourage children in discussions of the difference between right and wrong, the value of freedom, and the meaning of love. Many people know about Harriet Tubman's adult life whose courage and strength helped hundreds of slaves to freedom. But how many know about her life as a child? Well, Alan Schroeder reflects on the obstacles Minty faces while enslaved and highlights the affect slavery has on free will. This portrayal is beautifully illustrated in full color and vivid imagery by Jerry Pinkney. It is no wonder that Minty has received the honorable Coretta Scott King award recognizing, as well, an outstanding author and talented illustrator.
Hi Drita!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed reading your blog. The issue of slavery and the Underground Railroad has always one of great interest to me as well. Even as a child, I always admired Harriet Tubman for what she did to help so many slaves. It is always great fun to see what our beloved characters (of both fiction and non fiction) were like as children (or in some cases, what they will be like in the future!). MINTY seems to be no exception. I can't help but wonder how much of this story is based on Tubman's real childhood. Either way, I am sure it is realistic fiction, so it very likely could have happened to some degree. Thank you so much for sharing this piece of literature with us this week. I can't wait to read it!
-Nicole :)