Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism.

What are the similarities and differences in the ways that Rit and Ben are portrayed? How do these characterizations, in turn, help to highlight various aspects of Harriet’s personality?

Which adult in the story seems to have the most influence over who Harriet Tubman eventually becomes as an adult? How is this person’s impact on Harriet traceable to specific aspects of her adult life?

Sterling mentions several prominent white abolitionists—including John Brown, Amos Bronson Acott, Louisa May Alcott, Thomas Garrett, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Choose one of these figures to learn more about. Explain this person’s contributions to abolitionism and evaluate their importance to the cause.