Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt

by Lisa Campbell Ernst

In turn-of-the-century Rosedale, a quilting farmer is an unacceptable oddity, so Sam Johnson challenges the women in the town to a blue-ribbon quilting contest to set matters right. Ernst is "an original and beguiling author."--Publishers Weekly

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Sewing, United States, Juvenile, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Lisa Campbell Ernst was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1957. She received a Bachelor's degree in art from the University of Oklahoma, and then won an internship as a guest editor for Mademoiselle Magazine in New York City. She has written and illustrated over twenty picture books including Stella Louella's Runaway Book, which won the Children's Choice Award in Kansas, and Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt.

Reviews

[Brett Axel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a book I would suggest for children.

I think it is an attempt at promoting gender equality but it is so unaware of where gender inequality is that it makes things worse, not better.

Sam decides he wants to join his wife's quilting bee, but the woman of the bee won't let him so he gathers the men together to prove that a man can be as good as any woman. The men start their own quilting bee and it one month they are able to make a beautiful quilt to compete with the one the women have been working on for a year for the blue ribbon in the county fair.

The woman have been practicing for years and are experts at quilting, but the men (being men and all) are able to do comparable work with no lessons, no practice, and no experience.

[Ashley Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to question gender roles and how men and women can work together to accomplish something beautiful.

[Alyssa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In repairing a torn awning, Sam Johnson learns that he finds quilting enjoyable and would like to pursue his interest - much to the dismay of his wife and the Rosedale Women’s Quilting Club. Sam is saddened by the mockery of the women but undeterred, he gathers a group of men who form the Rosedale Men’s Quilting Club to compete against the women at the county fair. When a muddy mishap leaves both clubs without an entry, they decide to work together to create a collective quilt more beautiful than either of the originals.

I kind of adore this story. As someone who finds beauty in traditional gender roles, it is important that such roles are upheld only in that they produce good fruit. Without over-complicating matters, this addresses some of the undue harm that can occur when we are unwilling to critically evaluate our own prejudice. In the end, we see that we are all better off in a world where men and women are both handy with a needle and thread, should that be their desire. The story is made all the more endearing by Sams passion, the traditional quilt patterns, and sketch like illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Sam Johnson self teaches himself to sew a quilt patch, he decides to join the women's quilting club but is rejected, so he starts a men's quilting club, and soon a battle of the sexes ensues to see which club can make the best quilt and win at the county fair.

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a cute story that teaches the value of friendship and what can be achieved when people work with one another instead of against.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt by Lisa Campbell Ernst is a delightful book about quilting, the stupidity of gender roles and the importance of cooperation. Sam after mending a tear in his clothing decides he likes sewing and wants to try something more creative, like quilting. When the women won't let him into their quilting group, he wrangles up the men to start their own.

The men's quilting group and the women's quilting group are both competing in the upcoming fair. With them working so hard on their quilts, the book covers a number of quilting patterns. These patterns could be replicated in class to teach geometry or to do an art project.

But the big message beyond boys and girls can have the same hobbies, is cooperation. When both quilts fall into the mud the two have to come together to make one good quilt out of the left overs. It's a pretty one, too.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While his wife is away Sam Johnson tries something new--sewing a patch for the pig pen awning. He discovers that he loves quilting. But when he expresses a desire to join his wife's quilting club, the snickers and outright discrimination he faces are significant. A thoughtful and beautifully illustrated tale about freedom, equality, and the benefits of working together.

[Stephanie Jeanneret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. It is about a man who starts a quilting group becuase the woman will not let him join theirs. They all go to enter the quilt contest where their blankets get dropped in mud. They combine the clean parts of their quilts to make a fresh one.

[Jess Heimbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming picture book for sure! Main theme that the author shares with children demonstrates how gender roles are not always fixed -- things that girls enjoy doing can also be great things for boys to do too. In the end, a tragedy can turn into a great success!

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A man decides he likes to quilt, but his wife and the women in her quilting group scoff at the idea. It turns out that both men and women can quilt, and quilt well. It could work, but this isn't one I'd recommend. And I don't know that I'd ever pick it up to read to a child. NMB

[Artlab]

This book is located in the pattern box.

[Michãel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that the gender stereotype is against the male in this one.

[Amanda Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love a farmer who sews!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racine BOB 2013.
A twist on the idea that girls can't do things boys do. This story is about a man who discovers that he enjoys sewing and tries to join his wife's quilting club.

[Sydney McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a great theme about equality for both sexes. It also tries to break down stereotypes of what women and men can do. It has more text, so it would probably be used with third grade and above.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book about a man who wants to join a quilting club, but the women won't let him. Why?

Because he's a man!

Children's book about feminism ftw!

[Paula Hollohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow your passion - whatever it may be...

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet another childhood favorite

[Trista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about working together.