Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Review: Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deobrah Hopkinson, ill. by James Ransome

Synopsis: Clara is a seamstress in the Big House on Home Plantation. Slavery has separated her from her mother, and she dreams that one day they will be reunited. Walking home from the Big House one evening, Clara's Aunt Rachel points to the North Star and tells her about Canada, the free land in the north. She also tells her about the Underground Railroad - a group of people who help slaves escape to freedom. When Clara learns about the route to Canada she begins working on a special quilt - one with a secret map. But will Clara's quilt be enough to guide her and other slaves to freedom. (From the back of the book)

Review: With colorful illustrations and simple prose, this book tells the story of a young girl who dreams of freedom. But no slave leaves because they don't know the way - until Clara figures out a way to make a map. She salvages scraps from sewing, and slowly builds a map from the fabric. Other slaves gather information about the land between them and the Ohio river - the place where the Underground Railway begins. Full of courage and imagination, Clara opens the way to freedom, for herself and others. Worth reading, and excellent for children.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: Reading Rainbow

ISBN: 0-590-42485-8
Year Published: 1993
Date Finished: 9-3-2016
Pages: 32

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