Slavery- Harriet and her family were all slaves. They were almost white skinned, which made some people realize how they were using their own kind to work for them.

Freedom- Sally Hemings, Harriet’s mother, strongly believed that every person had a right to be free. She encouraged all her kids to take their freedom when it was offered to them. Including Harriet.

Harriet- As the main character in the book, Harriet means a lot to the story. The story is told from her point of view, and it is her decision the reader watches her make.

Jefferson- Thomas Jefferson is the owner of Monticello, and all the slaves within it. However, he never mistreats a slave, and he offered some their freedom at the age of twenty-one.

Observation- Thomas Jefferson keeps a field book, in which he records observations about the weather, production of crops, etc. Harriet often helped him by adding observations of her own.

School Teacher- When and if Harriet starts a life of her own, the opening exists for her as a school teacher.

Monticello- Monticello is the place where the story takes place. Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s land, and the home of most of the characters.

Justice- Fairness, equality which Sally Hemings believes her children should receive.

Heritage- Harriet feels that if she passes as a white woman rather than a black, her true heritage will be lift behind. Turning her back on someone she really is would be difficult to do.

Advice- Harriet received much advice from Mammy Ursala. She followed that advice with care and patience, knowing her elder to be wiser than she.

Decision- This word has a lot of meaning and importance. Pretty much the entire book focuses on Harriet and what she is going to do with her life. She'll lean a little in one direction, then encounter and experience that sets her thinking in the exact opposite direction.

Journey- Harriet, her life, everything she's done and decided contributes to her journey to freedom. She may get there, she may not..

Weaving- Weaving is Harriet's morning job, where she goes every day. It has become an important part of her life, and skill that she may cherish in times to come.

Basket- Mammy Ursala is the top basket maker in Monticello, having her fine work used by many. She weaves spells into her baskets, good voodoo that prevent bad luck. Harriet requests and receives one of these baskets from Mammy to use throughout her life.

Lessons- Harriet receives lessons from Thomas Jefferson's daughter Martha, that teach her things she will need to know when and if she sets out on her own. Taking care of her clothes, keeping house, playing piano forte, and pouring a decent cup of tea are all pieces of knowledge that will come in handy.