1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hill, Laban Carrick. 2010. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York: Little, Brown & Company. ISBN 031610731X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
An intimate view of Dave the Potter's day as he works the clay to make pots with his hands.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is all about the illustrations. The rich, earth-tone colors draw in the readers attention to the details of his skill. The illustrations gorgeously demonstrate Dave's muscle strength, his hand movements over the clay, and beauty of his craft. Each page is piece of art, telling a story of a skillful man who is also a slave.
The background scenes provide details on the homes and workplaces of slaves in South Carolina, but the story of Dave does not focus on the injustices of slavery, but rather hones in on the talent and dexterity of Dave's hands as he picks up the clay and smooths it over the turning wheel. We are even able to view images (like screenshots) of the progression of the pot. Finally, the poet emerges at the end as he inscribes a poem onto his finished pot.
Kids will stare at the pages of this book and never tire.
The background scenes provide details on the homes and workplaces of slaves in South Carolina, but the story of Dave does not focus on the injustices of slavery, but rather hones in on the talent and dexterity of Dave's hands as he picks up the clay and smooths it over the turning wheel. We are even able to view images (like screenshots) of the progression of the pot. Finally, the poet emerges at the end as he inscribes a poem onto his finished pot.
Kids will stare at the pages of this book and never tire.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS
Carter G. Woodson Book Awards, 2011
Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2011
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2011
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2011
SIBA Book Award, 2011
Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2011
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2011
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2011
SIBA Book Award, 2011
Penny Gursky (Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2011)
This book has a unique way of opening the line of communication of what it meant to be a slave while the pictures encapsulate the beauty and dignity of the people portrayed throughout the story. It is a must have for every family/classroom that wants to educate its young about history, slavery, and art.
Paula Day (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 4))
The rich illustrations in the book are moving and powerful, and the text is inspiring lyrical poetry. This story is rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.
This book has a unique way of opening the line of communication of what it meant to be a slave while the pictures encapsulate the beauty and dignity of the people portrayed throughout the story. It is a must have for every family/classroom that wants to educate its young about history, slavery, and art.
Paula Day (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 4))
The rich illustrations in the book are moving and powerful, and the text is inspiring lyrical poetry. This story is rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion by asking why Dave wrote the poem on the pot.
*Before reading, discuss what students think a typical day of a slave may be like. Educator's Guide to Dave the Potter Poet, Artist, Slave
*Read related books on slavery.
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