WC: Monday 30th March 2020

Before she was Harriet – Reading comprehension 1

1. What does it mean if Harriet was a ‘suffragist?’

2. A symbol is an object used to represent something else.

Explain the symbolism of the train on the first page.

3. Discuss the title of the book. What does the word

“Before” imply? How does it create intrigue and interest?

4. Define injustice. How were Harriet and her people victims

of injustice?

5. How does Harriet use her freedom and her voice to speak
out against injustice to women?

6. Explain why Harriet is called General Tubman (Page 4)?

What leadership skills has she shown?

7. Harriet Tubman is described as having the “courage of a

lion.” How does it take courage for Harriet to bring her
people to freedom? Consider the risks she faced.

8. Take note of Harriet as she nurses wounded soldiers

(Page 6). She “tended to them with bandages and words.”
What are some words she might have used to comfort
them?

9. Study the final illustration. What was Aunt Harriet’s

dream? Do you think this was a dream shared by many?