Families who loved Harriet Tubman, Secret Agent: How Daring Slaves and Free Blacks Spied for the Union During the Civil War by Thomas B. Allen often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is ready to move beyond the surface-level tales of historical figures and wants to understand the strategic brilliance and gritty reality of the fight for justice. While many children know Harriet Tubman as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, this National Geographic account highlights her role as a master spy, scout, and military leader for the Union Army. It is an ideal choice for pre-teens grappling with questions of systemic fairness and the complexities of moral courage in the face of danger. Through its focus on espionage and secret networks, the book explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and the heavy weight of leadership. Thomas B. Allen provides a factual yet gripping narrative that frames Tubman and her contemporaries as sophisticated intelligence officers rather than passive victims. It is a powerful resource for building historical literacy and discussing how one person can leverage their unique skills to dismantle an unjust system.
