Ready to go on an Adventure? Hop in with Hattie!
Hattie's Inspiration
When I sat down to write this story, I had one goal in mind: to highlight the strength, resiliency and unwavering determination of abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman.
I wanted to tell the story of her wit, bravery, and ingenuity in the face of the atrocities being committed against her and the millions of other enslaved African Americans.
During idea development, I was teaching Pre-Kindergarten and I immediately thought of my students. I asked myself, how could I make such a heinous topic, like slavery, more palatable for young children to digest and understand? What would it take to impart the knowledge of Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy in developmentally appropriate ways? And thus, “Hattie” was born.
Hattie Leads The Way re-imagines Harriet as a young girl who must face many obstacles along her path to the playground promised land. Despite these daunting challenges, she employs her gumption and grit to lead her friends to a place of freedom!
Throughout the story, the reader will find elements paying homage to Harriet Tubman such as: the star pattern shown on Hattie’s clothes reminiscent of the North Star followed by Tubman and the path of tunnels emulating the Underground Railroad, along which she and others traveled.
My hope in writing this story is that children are introduced to a heroine who fought to achieve liberty for herself and others. I aspire to empower children to see themselves as overcomers, against all odds!
