The Keeping Quilt

Feb 02, 2013 Ronyell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1001-children-s-books-you-must-read, best-books-of-2011, books-i-want-to-own, children-books, biography, family-situations, favorites, patricia-polacco, picture-books, read-in-2011, reviewed-books, ronyell-s-epinions-reviews, russian-books, my-blog-reviews

Speechless… I am just totally blown away by this recent book I have read by Patricia Polacco! “The Keeping Quilt” is a beautiful picture book by Patricia Polacco that details the life story of Patricia Polacco’s family that has emigrated from Russia and how her Great Gramma Anna passed down her precious quilt to her children for four generations and has remained to be a wonderful treasure to her entire family. “The Keeping Quilt” is truly one of the best books written by Patricia Polacco ever wr...more Speechless… I am just totally blown away by this recent book I have read by Patricia Polacco! “The Keeping Quilt” is a beautiful picture book by Patricia Polacco that details the life story of Patricia Polacco’s family that has emigrated from Russia and how her Great Gramma Anna passed down her precious quilt to her children for four generations and has remained to be a wonderful treasure to her entire family. “The Keeping Quilt” is truly one of the best books written by Patricia Polacco ever written!

Patricia Polacco’s Great-Gramma Anna emigrated from Russia many years ago and when she went to school, she took her blue dress and her babushka (even though I am sure that “babushka” means “grandmother” in Russian). Soon afterwards, when Anna’s dress and babushka got old and Anna’s mother made her a new dress, her mother decided to make a quilt out of Anna’s old dress and babushka so that way it would remind them of their home in Russia. When Anna grew up, she got married to Patricia Polacco’s Great-Grandpa Sasha and Anna’s quilt was used as a huppa for her and Sasha’s wedding. Later on, Patricia Polacco’s grandmother Carle was born and Anna wrapped her quilt around her new born daughter.

What can I say? This is clearly Patricia Polacco’s most memorable and greatest work ever written! Patricia Polacco has done an excellent job at both writing and illustrating this book as it details the story about how important Great-Gramma Anna’s quilt was to the family. What was so inspiring about this book is that it details Patricia Polacco’s family history and I loved the way that she put so much emphasis on how the keeping quilt was such an important family heirloom and I loved how her family used the quilt for their family traditions such as using it as a huppa for each family member’s weddings. I can easily relate to the importance of family heritage in this book as my family has special heirlooms that were passed down from generation to generation and we get the opportunity to learn more about our heritages through our family heirlooms. It was also interesting learning about Russian traditions within Patricia Polacco’s family since I am always interested in learning about different traditions from other countries. Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are extremely beautiful and creative as the illustrations are shown in mainly black and white colors, however the quilt is the only image in the book that is colored and it helps signify the importance of the quilt to the entire family. I also loved the way that Patricia Polacco made her family look extremely realistic and heartwarming as they have realistic facial expressions that range from sadness to happiness, which truly made me feel so much emotion from the characters.

Overall, “The Keeping Quilt” is a truly beautiful and inspiring book about the importance of celebrating your family traditions and the importance of being a true family that many children will easily enjoy for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since some of the Russian terms like “babushka” and “huppa” might be too difficult for smaller children to understand.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
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Nov 20, 2009 Lisa Vegan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, childrens, non-fiction, reviewed

I love this picture book biography about a family and their quilt.

The illustrations are wonderful. The quilt and its dress and babushka that went into making it, are shown in glorious color; the rest of the illustrations are done in charcoal. It makes for a lovely effect.

The story is very moving. It starts when the author’s great grandmother came to America and how as she outgrew her dress, that dress and her headscarf were used, along with other family members’ items, were used to make a quilt....more

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Mar 21, 2009 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Patricia Polacco read this book to me at the IRC luncheon Saturday, March 21, 2009. What a wonderful read. The red babushka highlighted on the cover and the red fabric throughout the book chronicles the life of the quilt and the life of the family. This masterfully crafted, simple yet powerful, book reminds us of the importance of traditions in families. It doesn't matter what the tradition, tradition gives structure to a child's life, even when that child grows up. The caring, nurturing, loving...more

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Jun 17, 2008 kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: JPIC

Recommended to kelly by: URI530

Shelves: award-booklist-books, picture-books

A story about the immigration of Ms. Polacco's relatives from Russia and how a quilt made from worn out clothes brings the memory of far off relatives closer and binds them all together - Interesting use eof color for the quilt while other illustrations are in browns

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Oct 05, 2012 Dolly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: parents reading with their children

Shelves: 2012, biography, childrens, other-usa, russia, jewish-israel, picture-book-club

We really enjoy Patricia Polacco's stories and so we look for them often at our local library. Lucky for us, she is a very prolific writer, so we still have a lot of her books to discover.

This is a wonderful tale about a piece of history that has remained within a family and helped to keep the memory of their ancestors alive. The story is a simple one, but it is very heartwarming. The illustrations are an unusual mix of black and white with spots of color, usually featuring the quilt or material...more

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Feb 15, 2009 Rian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mid-east-indian-jewish-american

Summary: Patricia Polacco traces part of her family's history by following this special quilt through generations of weddings and babies.

Response: I hadn't planned to read this book, but last week my daughter was tracing her family's time line of immigration to America; while she and I were working on it together, she suddenly realized that the research she was doing on her family and the family tree she was creating reminded her of "The Keeping Quilt" except, as she told me, that that was told...more

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Jan 23, 2013 L13_Allison Safran rated it 5 of 5 stars

Patricia Polacco is a phenomenal children's author and illustrator, and one of my personal favorites. Her stories are always so engaging for children and adults alike because her texts are always about her family and her life.

The Keeping Quilt is the story of Patricia's family heritage. The family moves from Russia to the United States and struggles to maintain a sense of back-home Russia. To keep their memories and stories of Russia alive, they create a quilt using small pieces of each family...more Patricia Polacco is a phenomenal children's author and illustrator, and one of my personal favorites. Her stories are always so engaging for children and adults alike because her texts are always about her family and her life.

The Keeping Quilt is the story of Patricia's family heritage. The family moves from Russia to the United States and struggles to maintain a sense of back-home Russia. To keep their memories and stories of Russia alive, they create a quilt using small pieces of each family member's clothing. The quilt is then used for very special family events such as weddings, births, and funerals. The story tells how the quilt is passed down for many generations, but the family members from many years ago are still very close through the use of the quilt.

Polacco writes, "'We will make a quilt to help us always remember home, "Anna's mother said,"
It will be like having the family in back home Russia dance around us at night.'"

This book is appropriate for all age-levels because the pictures are beautiful and the language is very expressive. Students are immediately wrapped into the story and thinking about how they celebrate their own personal family traditions.

This book is very well integrated into Social Studies and study of one's family history. This book typically leads into a family background study in my classroom. After reading this book and discussing culture and traditions, my students go home to research their own family. They typically ask their parents or grandparents about their family heritage, special traditions they celebrate with their families, or ways they may want to start celebrating new family connections. Then, students create a quilt square that represents their family and traditions. In the end, we all present our family quilt pieces and we tie them together and hang them in our classroom. It is a very powerful moment in our class, and the students remember it all year long!

Patricia Polacco really created a beautiful story that can be celebrated by all with their own families and loved ones. (less)

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Jan 03, 2013 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: children, picture-book-club

As a teacher, I have struggled to use Polacco's work for read alouds in the past, because the quantity of text and heavy subject matter made it challenging to hold the attention of second and third graders (who were also English Language Learners). I never felt like I gave it a fair shake, however, and I looked forward to reading The Keeping Quilt while out of the classroom to see some of her work more objectively.
Textually, the pacing is good, and the repetitive phrases make it relatively easy...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Liliana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Grades:3rd grade to 5th
Genre:Historical Fiction

Main Characters: Patricia, Carle, Great Gramma Anna, Mary Ellen
Setting: The setting is in New York.
POV: The story is in first person.

The book goes through different generations of Russian family members. The book starts with the family moving from Russia to America. It describes how Russia is different from American and to keep their Russian culture alive, a quilt is made. When Anna could not fit into a dress or babushka, her mother used them in th...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Nikole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fountas-Pinnell Guided Reading: M
Genre: Multicultural Literature

Main Characters: Patricia, Carle, Great Gramma Anna, Mary Ellen
Setting: The setting is in New York.
POV: The story is in first person.

The book goes through different generations of Russian family members. The book starts with the family moving from Russia to America. It describes how Russia is different from American and to keep their Russian culture alive, a quilt is made. When Anna could not fit into a dress or babushka, her mothe...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Hakeem Bashir added it

This book is a story about a little girl who is a Russian immigrant that comes to America. As she adjusts to American culture, learning English and making friends at school. She holds on to her dress and Babushka as a reminder of back home Russia. As she starts to grow, her dress becomes too small and her mother decides with Anna to make a quilt to always remember home saying “It will be having the family in Russia dance around us at night”. Anna’s mother invites all the neighborhood ladies to p...more

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May 31, 2010 Alisha added it

Shelves: eng-353

The Keeping Quilt, written by Patricia Polacco, tells the heart worming story of a quilt, that serves many purposes, but the most important is the story of family and love. In the beginning of the book, the narrator’s Great-Grandma has immigrated to the United States from Russia. She finds herself in busy New York City with just her babushka and her dress. Once she outgrows the dress, her mother decides to make a quilt. From scraps of her babushka, dress, Uncle Vladimir’s shirt, Aunt Havalah’s n...more The Keeping Quilt, written by Patricia Polacco, tells the heart worming story of a quilt, that serves many purposes, but the most important is the story of family and love. In the beginning of the book, the narrator’s Great-Grandma has immigrated to the United States from Russia. She finds herself in busy New York City with just her babushka and her dress. Once she outgrows the dress, her mother decides to make a quilt. From scraps of her babushka, dress, Uncle Vladimir’s shirt, Aunt Havalah’s nightdress, and an apron from Aunt Natasha, her mother is able to make this quilt. She invites several of the women from the neighborhood to help her make the quilt and tells her daughter, “We will make a quilt to help us always remember home.” Anna’s mother said. “It will be like having the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night.” At first the quilt was used as a tablecloth for Sabbath dinners. Once Anna had grown up, Sasha used it to sit on outside when he proposed to Anna, then again as a huppa at their wedding. When Carle was born, the quilt was used to wrap her in. Once Carle was grown, the quilt was again used as a huppa in Carle’s wedding. When Carle had Mary Ellen, she used it for a baby blanket. When Anna had to move in with them, she used it to warm her legs. For Anna’s ninetieth birthday, it was once again used as a tablecloth, and when Anna passed away, it was on her bed. When Mary Ellen was married, once again the quilt served as a huppa. When Patricia was born, she was wrapped in the quilt, and also married under it when it served as a huppa for her wedding. When Patricia has her own daughter, she continued the tradition, and wrapped her baby girl in the quilt. She goes on to say that she hopes to pass on the quilt and have her daughter married under it one day.
This is a great story told by the author herself. The quilt passed down from generation to generation, shows how strong family traditions can be. The love felt buy the quilt and the people around the quilt is heartwarming. The illustrations in the book are drawn to focus the reader’s attention on the quilt. The people in the story are drawn in subtle black and white sketches, while the quilt is drawn in bright colors. Both the people and quilt are realistic and smooth in there texture and shape. This book is appropriate for children ages 4 to 9. The words are easy to understand and the bright colors of the quilt will focus their attention on the quilt throughout each page in the book.
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May 31, 2010 Jared Burton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: english-353

Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001.
The Keeping Quilt, is a story about a quilt that is made by a family and then passed down through generation to generation. The quilt was originally created when it first came to America by Great-Gramma Anna (2). The quilts purpose was to help the family always remember home, Russia (5). What's important to remember about the quilt is that it serves for new purposes, as well as old, never changing purposes. Each time the q...more Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001.
The Keeping Quilt, is a story about a quilt that is made by a family and then passed down through generation to generation. The quilt was originally created when it first came to America by Great-Gramma Anna (2). The quilts purpose was to help the family always remember home, Russia (5). What's important to remember about the quilt is that it serves for new purposes, as well as old, never changing purposes. Each time the quilt is handed down something seems to change in society. Throughout each generation, the reader can notice different traditions being amended and altered, but the quilt is always used as the wedding huppa (15). The quilt was also always used to welcome the new born that it would eventually be passed onto.
The illustrations themselves also help tell the story of the quilt. Throughout the entire story the quilt and what it is made out of is always pictured with color while the rest of each page is black and white. Even the main characters are black and white showing that they, along with the traditions, customs, and times of the story, change. The only thing that stays the same is the keeping quilt, which is why it is a representation of home. The quilt is something that will always be connected to the families roots.
I feel that this book is a suitable multicultural book because it describes the changes that the different generations went through while establishing themselves in America. The author never talks down about America themselves which makes this text suitable for people who aren't necessarily Jewish. The text also tells a story in a way that shows a family accepting and changing with society without bitterness. For example, in the beginning of the book, weddings were celebrated with the men and women separated (11). Later on in the story, they celebrated the wedding together, however the people still did not dance together (15). Eventually, near the end of the book, the first wedding takes place that allows people that are not Jews to attend (22). This progression of social interactions is an example of the changing of times that each generation goes through while the quilt itself, stays the same and serves the same purposes.
This story, is again, a simple story of a keeping quilt that is used to secure the connection with where the family had come from. It is not a story about bitterness towards America or its government, in fact, every episode that involves changing, the change is a positive move forward.
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May 31, 2010 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: eng-353-child-lit

Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Children’s Publishing Division, 1988. Print.
The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco, tells the story of a special quilt that is passed down from one generation to the next. A group of ladies worked together to make the quilt (7). The special quilt was used as a tablecloth during meals (9). When Anna married Great-Grandpa Sasha the quilt was used as their wedding huppa (11). When Grandma Carle was born, Anna wrapped the child with the special quilt...more Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Children’s Publishing Division, 1988. Print.
The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco, tells the story of a special quilt that is passed down from one generation to the next. A group of ladies worked together to make the quilt (7). The special quilt was used as a tablecloth during meals (9). When Anna married Great-Grandpa Sasha the quilt was used as their wedding huppa (11). When Grandma Carle was born, Anna wrapped the child with the special quilt (13). The special quilt was a wedding huppa for Grandpa George and Carle (15). Grandpa George and Carle had a child; the quilt wrapped Great-Grandma Anna (16). When someone became sick the quilt was used to keep the person warm, such as Grandma Anna (17). Mary Ellen left home and the quilt went with her (21). At Mary Ellen’s wedding the quilt was used as a huppa (22). Mary Ellen had a child name Patricia who was wrapped in the quilt (23). On Mary Ellen’s first birthday the quilt was used as a table cloth (24). The special quilt was used to tell stories (25). The quilt was used to when Mary Ellen would pretend to be in a bullring, or in a tent (26). When Traci Denise was born the quilt would be passed on throughout her generation (29).

This book is a realistic story of cultural and social diversity. The Keeping Quilt teaches children how life is in different cultures. Patricia Polacco tells the story of her culture and the importance of the quilt in her family. Patricia Polacco does a great job telling the story of her culture because she can relate to the Jewish culture and portray authentic information to The Keep Quilt readers.

Patricia Polacco does an excellent job in portraying the characters as individuals, with genuine feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. There is no cultural stereotyping in this story. From a readers perspective Patricia Polacco did an excellent job in portraying the culture accurately. The author does a wonderful job introducing her family, demonstrating their culture, and sharing their love with each other. The Keeping Quilt helps teach readers social and cultural diversity. In addition, The Keeping Quilt helps readers understand that the quilt is not just any quilt, but a very special quilt that has a powerful meaning which is shared among generations. This book has a very happy ending. The Keeping Quilt is a great book for children four to eight years of age.(less)

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May 31, 2010 Jeff rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-literature

This story is about a Jewish family and a keeping quilt that is
passed down from generation to generation. The story begins in illustration before the written story. Inside the front cover, there is an illustration depicting immigrants on a boat approaching New York and the Statue of Liberty. The story explains how the keeping quilt is passed on from generation to generation and has a special place in the family. Throughout the rest of the story, the keeping quilt is used in family weddings, wrap...more This story is about a Jewish family and a keeping quilt that is
passed down from generation to generation. The story begins in illustration before the written story. Inside the front cover, there is an illustration depicting immigrants on a boat approaching New York and the Statue of Liberty. The story explains how the keeping quilt is passed on from generation to generation and has a special place in the family. Throughout the rest of the story, the keeping quilt is used in family weddings, wrapping new children after their birth, and is used for other special events in the family. The story ends with Anna as a grown woman, remembering that she held her first child in the keeping quilt twenty years ago and looking forward to the time when she can pass the quilt on to her when she leaves home.
This story has a strong family and Jewish cultural theme. There are several Jewish customs and traditions evident in the text and illustrations. From the beginning of the story we are shown a non English speaking, poor immigrant family with strict traditions. However, there is a transition as the story progresses. In the beginning, the family is dressed simply in more traditional clothing; obviously not having a lot of money. Culturally, the weddings are only attended by other Jewish people. It is explained that at weddings the men and women celebrate and dance separately.
As the generations pass, we see the family has changed slightly. They now appear to have more money. Their home and clothing has changed from the humble beginnings of their earlier immigrant generations. They now wear more modern clothing. We are told that now the men and women dance together at weddings and for the first time people attend who are not Jewish.
Even though there have been changes, there are also traditions that have remained. The traditional gifts given to the Jewish bride at a wedding is a practice that remains. Also the keeping quilt is a tie that binds each subsequent generation to the previous one. This story shows how people who immigrate to our country bring with them unique cultures and traditions, but over time some of the cultural norms change and begin to match those in their new country. Also, cultural traditions can be preserved if people make an effort to maintain them and pass them on to future generations.
The illustrations in this book appear to be done in pencil. Throughout the book, the only parts not done in pencil are quilt and the articles of clothing eventually used to make the quilt. The pencil illustrations help to give an older, historical feel to the story. Having the quilt as the only thing of color on the pages gives it prominence. This helps to remind the reader that it is a story about the role of the quilt in this family’s history.
There are a few things in the illustrations that stood out to me. In the beginning of the story, the characters are shown with somber and serious facial expressions. Toward the end, the characters are shown more carefree and with some smiling faces. This seems to indicate things have gotten better for each subsequent generation since their immigration to this country. I also noticed that every once in a while, one of the characters drawn in the illustration appears to be looking directly at the reader. I think this helps to make the reader feel included in the story, almost like you are there experiencing the same event as those in the illustration. On page 17, the story talks about how her great-grandmother was very old and sick a lot of the time. The interesting thing about the illustration is that the oldest male, a subject who is apparently the great- grandfather is shown looking off into the distance. On the very next page the same man is shown seated slightly away from the others who are gathered closely to the great-grandmother as she celebrates a birthday. Maybe this is to show that the great-grandfather was not very close to his wife or very caring for her in their later years.
Also when Patricia describes her mother getting married and her own early years as a child, there is no mention of her father. Her father is also missing from the illustrations of her childhood. Since the closeness of family is such an integral part of this story, it is obvious her father left the family, because if he would have died there would have probably been mention of this fact in the story.
I think this is a story children will like; especially Jewish children. I think it can be used to encourage family tradition and closeness. If I had small children, I would be comfortable reading them this book. (less)

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May 30, 2009 Marcia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, childrens-picture

A homemade quilt represents a Jewish family who emigrated from Russia to New York more than 100 years ago. The quilt is used to mark special life events such as births, weddings, birthdays, and the passing of elders. The quilt owner is the historian of all the family stories and the quilt serves as visual remembrance of those who came before. The story’s theme teaches of family traditions and the quilt, a very special family heirloom that is handed down through the generations. As each generatio...more

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May 12, 2009 Veronica rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 03, 2010 Pam Vass rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-lit-eng

This book presents realism as the artistic style and describes how a young Jewish girl named Anna moved from Russia to New York City with her family to start a new life. Because this style gives attention to real life situations, it is perfect for accompanying Anna and her entire family through several decades of life. All Anna had to remind her of Russia was a dress and a Bubushka head covering that she would toss into the air when she danced. When the dress became too small for Anna, her mothe...more

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Jan 24, 2010 L-Crystal Wlodek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: multicultural-literature

This picture book, recommended for readers 8-10 years of age and has received the The Sydney Taylor Book Award. This book is about a family quilt, which is made from a basket of old clothes of several family members from many generations. The quilt represents the importance of family and heritage, as tells the story of the importance of the quilt, and all the events for which is has been a part (Sabbaths, weddings, births) as it has been passed along from mother to daughter through four generati...more

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May 02, 2012 A_Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mc-literature, picture-books

This book received the Sydnet Taylor award which is from the Association of Jewish Libraries. This realistic fiction was a joy to read with my own children, and quite enlightening for me because each child was drawn into the book at different levels. My eldest saw the lifestyle differences and compared it to our own family's, while mt second child was more memorized with how the quilt traveled along each part of their lives, and my youngest was more interested in he illustrations. The youngest d...more

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Jul 13, 2008 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childhood

The Keeping Quilt was my first Patricia Polacco book and most certainly not my last ... it has remained a favorite, and I have bought several copies to give as gifts over the years. The 10th anniversary edition was a special one for my own bookshelves. Polacco's illustrations are always delightful and her stories focus on family. They are a good reminder that we all need to keep our family stories alive for the generations to come.

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Feb 21, 2011 Darrielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: family-values-tradition-culture

Each student in any given class brings with them some sort of family tradition. It may be very similar to the traditions of their classmates or one special to only them. Use this book to explore cultural diversity and family traditions.In the Keeping Quilt Pollaco describes how a Jewish family maintains tradition in passing a family quilt. The quilt passes from mother to daughter and has been in Anna's Family for nearly a century. With remits of cloth from family member's most memorable articles...more

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Jun 01, 2010 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: grade-for-ashley

Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001. Print.
According to Literature for Children by David Russell culturally diverse books are important because, “we are a culturally diverse nation” (85). Russell goes on to point out that it is important that children have literature that represents all cultures, not just their own (85). The Keeping Quilt is a story written about the author’s own family, and their Jewish heritage. The quilt that is made by Patricia Polacoo’s...more Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001. Print.
According to Literature for Children by David Russell culturally diverse books are important because, “we are a culturally diverse nation” (85). Russell goes on to point out that it is important that children have literature that represents all cultures, not just their own (85). The Keeping Quilt is a story written about the author’s own family, and their Jewish heritage. The quilt that is made by Patricia Polacoo’s family is passed down through four generations. This story gives insight to the Jewish culture and allows the reader to gain an understanding of a culture’s values and history that may be quite different than their own. Russell says, “Culturally diverse literature enriches everyone” (85). The Keeping Quilt introduces the reader to family traditions. In fact, family traditions, and the importance of passing traditions is a main theme of this book. According to Russell, “Jewish Americans have long played a curtail role in American culture…” (91). Introducing different cultures to young children is very important. It is important that children understand that there are cultures that are different then their own, and that it is okay to be different. Through reading and literature children can begin to gain an understanding of the different cultures that surround them in everyday settings. Most stories written about other cultures portray actual life events.
Polacoo’s book is illustrated in a warm sepia color, with an exception of the quilt which is in full color. The colorful quilt emphasizes importance to the story, and the Polacoo’s family. This story can be useful for a child who is moving away from the only home they know. The story shows children that although moving can be scary and unfamiliar, you can still bring memories from the past with you. This book also shows children that although the Polacoo family is in a new country they can still be happy because they have one another.
Although, the quilt is primarily associated with happy occasions the book does display death. Polacoo shows a grieving family with the quilt draped over Great Grandma Anna who is on her death bed (21-22). The topic of death can be sad and scary for young children. Therefore, this part of the book could strike up some controversy. However, classrooms should have a library full of different types of books. Books that are related to different cultures and social diversity are extremely important because they can help inform students. Books that talk about death and life changes are important as well. Children’s books can be very informative when introducing unfamiliar or complex issues to children. The Keeping Quilt would make an excellent addition to any classroom or home library.
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Sep 22, 2012 Hope rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cultural, picture-book

If I am not mistaken, this is the first time I have read Patricia Polacco. I have heard many teachers say they love Patricia Polacco, which left me with high expectations when I read The Keeping Quilt. The illustrations were stereotypical of a Russian family in my opinion. However, I have read that Patricia Polacco's mother is from Russia and her father is Irish. This could possibly be through the eyes of Polacco. Is that good or bad? I will keep my opinions to myself at this time. The faces of...more

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Sep 30, 2009 (NS) Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: multi-cultural-literature

When Great Gramma Anna left Russia to come to New York City all she had was the clothes on her back to remind her of the country she left behind. Soon she outgrew her dress and babushka, so her mother used these and other family members old clothing to create a quilt which would be passed along from mother to daughter for many years to comes. In this heartwarming story, Patricia Polacco tells the story of her own family, and how the quilt became such a prominent part of their lives.
This story i...more

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Jun 21, 2010 Alison McGavran added it

Shelves: child-s-lit-annotations-eng353

The Keeping Quilt tells the story of how a young girl and her mother make a dress out of different parts of their family’s clothing, so that they will symbolically remain together, always. This quilt is passed down through each generation as one matures and the next comes into existence. Polacco creates a theme of family togetherness; one that describes how families are always connected, even if they do not live in the same city, country, or even continent. Each character develops and matures th...more

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Jun 22, 2010 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-lit-annotations-samant

The reader is introduced to Anna who came to America with her family. The fast pace of America and going to school were hard for Anna at first. She did not speak English at all when she arrived, however in six months she was speaking it. The only things she had left from Russia were her dress and babushka (scarf). Her mother took her dress and babushka along with several other family members old clothes and said, “We will make a quilt to help us always remember home. It will be like having the f...more

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May 26, 2012 Daniel Riles rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens

This is a wonderful story of how things change and stay the same. It follows the journey of a quilt made from a family's clothing as it is passed down mother-to-daughter over the generations and finally is in the hands of the author, Patricia Polacco. The spare use of color in the illustrations highlights the quilt, and the subtle changes in the people around it as the time passes is reflected both in the pictures and the text. This story resonates on a few personal levels with Jewish Russian an...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Erica - Bonner Springs Library rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, picture-book

A wonderful picture book about family and connecting generations. The story follows a family through four generations as they come to America from Russia and make the quilt as a way to remember family in the old country. The quilt is part of important events in their lives - engagements, marriages, births and death. I love that Patricia and her children still have a close connection with a quilt that was made by Patricia's great-grandmother.

I saw Patricia Polacco speak at the DNA Literature Fes...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Lydia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: picture-books

Polacco understands the bonds of family. She understands the passing of time, and the blessings shared and passed on through generations. In this book, a quilt is created when a young woman makes the immigrant passage to America. This same quilt survives several generations, taking on various forms and roles: a blanket to wrap a baby in, a banner to hang over a newly wedded couple, a covering for the sick...

Times and traditions change. Dress, customs, and people change with the the passage of ti...more

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title link	preview: The Keeping Quilt
avg rating	preview: The Keeping Quilt Goodreads rating: 4.36 (2999 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/835010.The_Keeping_Quilt?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1178765104l/835010.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/835010.The_Keeping_Quilt?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco[/url]

The Keeping Quilt

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