CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery

by Cynthia Grady

CCBC Review:

An eloquently written and illustrated volume features poems crafted out of the tradition of quilting and the tragedy of slavery. Each poem, named for a quilt block, is comprised of ten lines of ten syllables each to mimic a (quilt)block-like structure. Poet Cynthia Grady incorporated a biblical/spiritual reference, a musical reference, and a sewing/fiber arts reference into each poem, to reflect the three layers of a quilt. Her words and imagery seam the poems with threads of pain and hope. Michele Woods’ stunning illustrations incorporate the specific quilt block motif of each poem while giving beautiful face and form to its subject. Each page-spread features the poem and a brief paragraph of information about its content on one side, and a stirring, full-page painting on the other. An informative introduction, as well as a rich author’s note and illustrator’s note are included, along with references. ©2012 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Michele Wood

CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 9 and older
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13) Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format: Poetry
Subjects: African Americans Art and Artists Faith, Spirituality and Religion Music and Musicians Sewing and Quilting Slavery
Diversity subject: Black/African
On CCBC Booklist: Between Fact and Fiction: Selected Picture Books to Encourage Critical Reading/Thinking

Publisher: Eerdmans
Publish Year: 2012
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780802853868
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 811 Grady

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