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I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery
by
Cynthia Grady (Goodreads Author),
Michelle Wood
This rich and intricate collection of poems chronicles the various experiences of American slaves. Drawn together through imagery drawn from quilting and fiber arts, each poem is spoken from a different perspective: a house slave, a mother losing her daughter to the auction block, a blacksmith, a slave fleeing on the Underground Railroad.
This moving and eloquent set of po...more
This moving and eloquent set of po...more
Hardcover, 34 pages
Published
October 25th 2011
by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
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Jan 06, 2013
Barbara
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
animals,
bullies,
civil-rights,
community,
cultural-identity,
families,
literacy,
poetry,
ncbla2013,
school,
rural-life,
social-justice,
social-studies,
survival,
teachers
The cover of this book and its acrylic illustrations containing quilt patterns and images that seem perfectly suited for each poem drew me in from the first time I glimpsed it. Opening the book and reading and then rereading the 14 poems contained within only left me further intrigued. The poet names each of her unrhymed poems after a traditional quilt pattern such as log cabin, wagon wheel or kaleidoscope. According to the note at the front of the book, she chooses to write ten lines of ten syl...more
This patchwork quilt of poems by Cynthia Grady, who is a poet, a librarian, and a quilter, includes fourteen poems that describe the lives of enslaved people in America. Each poem is named for a traditional quilt pattern, which also echoes the theme and style of the poem.
For example, this is the poem “Log Cabin.”
"The finds of archaelogists beneath
dilapidated cabins down the hill:
dome chicken bones, the skins and skulls of coons
and squirrels – hard remains of suppers stalked
by moonlight, faith,...more
For example, this is the poem “Log Cabin.”
"The finds of archaelogists beneath
dilapidated cabins down the hill:
dome chicken bones, the skins and skulls of coons
and squirrels – hard remains of suppers stalked
by moonlight, faith,...more
I Lay My Stitches Down - Poems of American Slavery By Cynthia Grady Illustrated by Michele Wood (Mary Ward, Megan Bernhard)
This book contained poems describing the point of views of slavery. The Author and illustrator present authentic perspective by maintaining an insiders mindset and point of view of different accounts during slavery. The poems offer an understanding of the cultural account as well as supplemental information that aids readers who are uninformed of the culture. The illustratio...more
This book contained poems describing the point of views of slavery. The Author and illustrator present authentic perspective by maintaining an insiders mindset and point of view of different accounts during slavery. The poems offer an understanding of the cultural account as well as supplemental information that aids readers who are uninformed of the culture. The illustratio...more
I Lay My Stitches Down works capably to introduce both slavery and poetry to a young audience. The poems are quite good, focusing on the lives of slaves in the American south, with a particular focus on the day-to-day means of survival. This approach is well-boosted by sections under each poem providing informative details about those aspects of daily life discussed in the poems. [return][return]However, the focus on survival means that the book prefers to show what people did to maintain their...more
This book of poetry is amazing. I would say in general, young adult poetry is not a genre that thrills me, but this book managed to wow me. Grady’s introduction that connects her poetry structure to a quilt square drew me in and her poems kept me reading. From the teacher standpoint, I appreciated the explanations of historical references at the end of each poem which makes the poetry much more accessible. Grady covers a wide range of slave experiences, including ones that are novel (the teacher...more
With my love of quilts, southern heritage, and appreciation for both poetry and art, this oversized offering from Eerdmans BYR must have the highest rating. Each free-verse poem is ten-by-ten (ten lines, ten syllables each) to mimc the structure of a quilt. Each left spread includes the title of a traditional quilt pattern, a poem, a strip of the quilt pattern, and a historic note about the role of quilts in slave history. The right side spread combines the abstraction of the pattern with an art...more
I would give this one a ten star rating. Poetry is not my favorite choice of literature. The total concept of this book, however fascinated me. This is Cynthia Grady's first book and she has combined her love of quiltmaking and poetry to depict slavery. In her two paragraph intro the reader learns these facts as well as that the poems are unrhymed verse of ten lines with three types of references in each: a biblical or spiritual one, a musicial one, and a sewing or fiber arts one. This intro had...more
I was looking forward to reading this book, and it didn't disappoint. Poems shaped like blocks on a quilt describe the brutality of African American slavery and the spirit and artistry of the people enslaved. In the author's note, Grady states that she is aware of the argument among historians about the use of quilts as signs to escape to freedom, but she still embraces this means ("a common thread") of expression. Michelle Wood's illustrations are unique and stirring.
Beautiful. The illustrations are amazing and the thought and care put into each of these poems is masterful. Grady pairs each of her poems with information and facts behind every bit of the poem, so kids actually have a chance at understanding some of the slightly abstract/little-known history and ideas in her poetry. Maybe not the best for an introduction to slavery, but a perfect complementary work for any teacher's unit on slavery. Fantastic.
The poet connects her poems visually and metaphorically to the art of quilt-making by naming each of her poems for a quilt square pattern and formatting each poems into ten lines. A strip of quilting illustrates the pattern below the poem and bits of additional history are provided at the bottom of each poem page. Each poem is accompanied by a gorgeous full page illustration, each incorporating the quilt pattern into the painting. Powerful and intriguing.
Thoughtful collection of poems about various experiences and perspectives of American slaves. Each poem centers around a quilt. Cultural and historical information is shared about each poem. Acrylic illustrations fit well, and the poems are powerful and invite reflection. Great supplement to a unit on slavery or America's past.
The poems and the illustrations are a kaleidoscope of words and music and color. I particularly like the last poem. Here are a few lines—
"I lay my stitches down and troubles fall
away. Before too long, I'm breathing with
the rhythm of my quilting—listening
with every fiber of my soul."
"I lay my stitches down and troubles fall
away. Before too long, I'm breathing with
the rhythm of my quilting—listening
with every fiber of my soul."
This is collection that should be in every classroom, history museum bookstore, home bookshelf and coffee table, and church library. Beautiful! I simply adore this book. The pix are stunning. The poems are multi-layered. I will buy copies and share this book with friends and family.
A book with twintext of poetry and informational text all together in a book. Quality of voices in poem and powerful illustration equally contributes to excellence of the book.. It should be a new must in a classroom collection.
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A beautiful book! The colors and patterns of the quilts, the powerful poetry, and the brief historical notes make for an interesting experience not only for "juvenile" readers but for adults. Recommended!
Eloquent poems offering perspectives on American slavery are designed to mimic the structure and symbolism of quilts and coupled with stunning illustrations. A beautiful coupling of art and verse.
A powerful collection of poems about African slaves, each poem named for a traditional quilt pattern displayed in the illustrations. Historical and cultural information on each page.
Just read this to my class as part of our study of Forced Immigration. Works beautifully to move emotionally, engage aesthetically and, to inform.
okay - i might read again. The poems were pretty good. I wasn't in awe of any, but it was an enjoyable read.
The poetry in this book was truly breathtaking. I felt like I was with the people in each of the poems.
For upper elementary!! Good way to introduce slavery and poetry.
I could not improve on the summary on the inside flap, so I quote: "...spiritual, musical, and quilting references...to express the pain, sorrow, and weariness as well as the joy and hope sustained by those living in slavery in America." Michele Wood's provides paintings which depict both African and American textile patterns. Author's and Illustrator's notes. Bibliography.
I would like to give this a 3.5!
I liked the pairing of the historical information at the end of each poem. This book would pair nicely with an American History class learning about the civil war.
I liked the pairing of the historical information at the end of each poem. This book would pair nicely with an American History class learning about the civil war.
Each poem includes a musical reference, a sewing reference, and a spiritual reference and, of course, American history. Gr. 2-5.
Masterful combination of poems, illustrations, and historical background. 14 poems depict the emotions and situations encountered by slaves before the Civil War. I loved this book.
Apr 21, 2013
Ali Shiakh
marked it as to-read
Apr 18, 2013
A_Esther
marked it as to-read
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Welcome! I am starting over again at goodreads, focusing on poetry and writing books. Apologies to my old friends who enjoyed knowing what else I was reading.
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