Renaissance Book

Lawrence, an important twentieth century American artist inspired by Cubism and African American history, is another great American artist primarily known for his work for adults who has translated his work in an interested and dynamic way for young readers. Following the life of Harriet Tubman, whom Lawrence ranks as one of many "remarkable" women he would like to pay tribute to. He explains in his introduction that his mother, his wife Gwen and Tubman, "have contributed much to making it possible for me to develop, to live, to grow, and to fully appreciate the challenges and the beauty of life in general; and to express through the elements of color, line, texture, shape, and value the wisdom of almighty God" (1992). This vivid biography follows Harriet from when she is born to the commands she is given as an enslaved child ("Harriet, clean;/ Harriet, sweep, / Harriet, rock / The child to sleep" to her transition to a leader who followed the North Star and lead herself and fellow enslaved peoples to freedom. The images are mesmerizing and bold, offering a unique counterpoint to many of the barbaric representations of African Americans from the late nineteenth century.