A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Shroeder, Alan. 1996. MINTY: A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET TUBMAN. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0-8037-1888-8.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical fiction picture book depicts the beginning of a hero’s life. Before she was Harriet Tubman, she was Minty, a young girl, growing up on a plantation with her family. This story depicts the tenacious burgeoning spirit of a woman who would free herself and many others.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
The story Shroeder tells is based on historical fact, but as he explains in a foreword note, the details of the events are fictional. From the first page, he conveys Minty as a sprightly and strong-willed child. She doesn’t readily obey her master, which leads to violent consequences. However, it alludes to the spirit that would one day serve her well.
Through Minty’s parents’ dialogue and others, the reader begins to understand the oppressed mentality of the slaves that had resigned themselves to live in such a way that ardently avoided conflict and retribution. For most, it was simply about survival. The character, Amanda, that works alongside Minty in the fields warns hers about running away. Her attempt had only ended in more abuse. But for whatever reason, Minty had the courage and vision to hope for more. Her father, “Old Ben” prepares and teaches Minty some things that convey his belief and hope for her also.
He includes biblical allusion, as Minty talks to her dilapidated doll. In her retelling of the story of David, she refers to the Goliath character as a “master.” There is hope in this story for her, to defeat her own giants. Religion is a cultural marker for the African American community, but also a double-edged sword. At times, it has offered hope and solace for their suffering, but it has also been used against them to justify the institution of slavery.
The watercolor illustrations are muted in color, but drawn with beautiful detail. One of the only bright colors in the red bandana Minty wears upon her head. This seems intentional, to set Minty apart. Pinkney tries to portray the reality of the clothing and wares of the slaves. Minty is drawn in oversized, dingy clothing. All of the slaves’ clothes seem ragged and mismatched, which seems realistic. The same is true of their environment. In scenes of the slaves’ cabin, the sleeping arrangements are small and constrained, and they all have to share worn and patched blankets. The only housewares are woven baskets or basic cooking pots.
D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Children's Books, 1997
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1996
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 1997
Horn Book Magazine starred, September 1996: “Quick action and dialogue create a taut story and clearly depict Minty's strong-willed nature and her desire for freedom. Pinkney's watercolors provide detail and depth in this intriguing and emotional portrait.”
Kirkus Reviews Starred, 1996: “Told in rhythmic prose and colloquial dialogue, the plot has actual events that are small, but it is rich with melodrama, suspense, pathos, and, of course, a powerful vision of freedom. Pinkney's illustrations exhibit, characteristically, his refined draftsmanship; the complicated compositions convey psychological aspects of slavery and make the individual characters even more distinct. This exquisitely crafted book resonates well beyond its few pages.”
Publishers Weekly starred, May 1996
School Library Journal, May 1996
E. CONNECTIONS
Other quality children’s books that teach children about the life and heroism of Harriet Tubman are When Harriet met Sojourner by Catherine Clinton, A picture book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler, She Persisted: 13 American women that changed the world by Chelsea Clinton.
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