Before embarking on a literary journey, Ann Petry honed her skills as a pharmacist. Her transition from pharmacy to literature marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see her become renowned for several juvenile books and, notably, four novels. These works brought her widespread acclaim, characterized by a writing style celebrated for its simplicity and precision.

Among her literary accomplishments, Petry's 1955 biography of Harriet Tubman stands out. The release of Harriet Tubman was met with nearly universal praise from critics. The biography's skillful portrayal, warmth, and sensitivity were particularly lauded. Library Journal commended Petry's insightful depiction of Tubman's early life, emphasizing how these formative experiences influenced Tubman's future endeavors. Meanwhile, the Saturday Review highlighted the book's meticulous research and narrative efficiency, marking it as a significant contribution to existing literature on Tubman.

This biographical work was favorably compared to other notable accounts, such as Dorothy Sterling’s Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman (1954) and Anne Parrish’s A Clouded Star (1948), as noted by the Chicago Sunday Tribune. Additionally, both Booklist and The New Yorker praised the evocative imagery in Petry’s writing, endorsing it as a valuable addition to any young reader's library. Petry's Harriet Tubman not only enriched the collection of juvenile biographies but also set a new standard for narrative and research in this genre.