In Harriet Tubman, Ann Petry chronicles the important period in U.S. history when diverse groups of people began to challenge the institution of slavery. William Lloyd Garrison, John Brown, William Still, and Thomas Garrett are important historical figures linked directly or indirectly to Tubman's tremendous challenges and achievements.

A sensitive, reflective youngster known as "Minty," Tubman quickly absorbs both the fears and hopes of the older slaves on the Brodas plantation. Many of the slaves whisper about freedom, and Tubman perceives the uneasiness of her parents, particularly her mother.

In a sense, Tubman is rebellious from the start, consistently resisting attempts to train her for housework or the arts. Resourceful beyond her years, she memorizes the bits of information obtained from her father about survival in the wilderness to use later in what becomes her work, leading fugitive slaves to freedom.

This extremely dangerous enterprise...