An Overdue Accounting: DAVE THE POTTER: Artist, Poet, Slave

 Some things are not given full credit because of ignorance. Others are not credited because of  oversight. Still others are intentional misrepresentations or denials. In this case, I haven't shared my love of this particular picture book, now fifteen years old. Reasons for that include that I didn't launch this  blog until a few years later. Just find and ask those who dealt with me in person before that launch and you will find many among them to whom I praised this glorious book. Though I struggle with naming favorites among the many books I love, this one would appear on my list of highly recommended picture books.

LITTLE, BROWN:
Books for Young Readers, 2010

DAVE THE POTTER: Artist, Poet, Slave is written by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by the incomparable Bryan Collier. It is a lyrical narrative and richly illustrated account of a documented man. One documentation of him would be on the property listings of the man who enslaved him.  David Drake, though he was not accounted for with the dignity of a full name in those listings. His pottery creations were notably desirable, in size and artistry and quality. So much so, in fact that his skill and art gave him a bit of protection for a bold choice. He  risked signing many of his works and inscribed lines of poetry in some, opening him to possible severe punishments for proof of his ability to read and write.

In fact, this Caldecott-honored book is only one of several that were published since this one drawing more contemporary attention to the fact that Dave's work was taken from him, in the sense that his labor and its products were as much "property" as he was of the man who claimed to own Dave.

This long-time favorite of mine (THERE, I said it. This is a FAVORITE!) was called to mind by a recent NPR report about a Boston museum returning their two stoneware jars created by Dave to his descendants. A brief (only four minutes) account of the gathering and celebration of DAVE and of identifying his family continuity can be heard on this NPR Morning Edition piece. I hope you will LISTEN, then consider reading this gorgeous book about a remarkable human. His voice and talent were not given credit during his lifetime, but they can be now. Don't overlook DAVE yet again. 

Dave the Potter: Powerful Life Story, Powerful Picture Books

My posts in recent months have been focused on specific topics and releases, but this post returns me to my original purpose when I started this blog nearly four years ago. 

Picture books are a format, not a single genre, not aimed at a narrow target age or a particular "stage" of childhood. A recent feature in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL included interviews with outstanding teachers who use picture books with middle grade and high school students, including AP English classes.
Used with intention, with understanding of the complexity, layers, and potential of quality literature in this format, picture books are not only appropriate for any age, they can elevate and enhance the quality of learning, discussions, and writing.

An outstanding example is ETCHED IN CLAY: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet, with text and woodcut illustrations by Andrea Cheng.

Lee and Low Books, 2013

In this book the combination of powerful woodcut art and free-verse voices examines the varied events and individuals who shaped Dave's life. Their impact was every bit as real as if the hands of owners, mentors, family, and society of that time and place had molded the clay of his being. Even so, he exerted an equally powerful molding influence on his life in knowing what, at its core, made him who he was.

I found the details of Dave's life AFTER the war and emancipation a deeply unsettling confirmation of facts reported in GIVE US THE BALLOT, by Ari Berman. Dave's  literate life was more limited post-Civil War by unwritten forces (Klu Klux Klan and others) than he had been as a slave.
With well-cited resources in the back matter of Etched in Clay, I suspect other readers will want to do as I do, to explore further the life and times of this remarkable artist.

Little, Borwn Books for Young Readers, 2010

A nonfiction picture book version of his story,  DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE , by Laban Carrick Hill and  multi-award-winning-illustrator  Bryan Collier, was my introduction to the life of this remarkably gifted artist, an intelligent survivor of pre- and -post- Civil War slavery.

DAVE THE POTTER: Artist, Poet, Slave, includes powerful text (a free verse extended poem), quoted lines from poems by Dave, and the intensely deep, rich images of Bryan Collier, layered with details and visual references to slavery and society of the time. 
The back matter in this book elevates it from a surprising discovery of an unknown artist to a dense journey into the past. It gives Dave's artistry and literacy a voice and presence in the twenty-first century.
Like the best picture books, it will appeal to younger readers and intrigue their own creative selves while providing insights to history.
For older readers, though, it is a portal to the past that pairs well with ETCHED IN CLAY: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet.
The two sources combine to step away from the "concepts" of slavery, individual rights, and freedom into the shoes of a documented individual whose artistry and intelligence might have made him a world leader had he lived in other circumstances.

That's a prospect worthy of discussion and exploration at any age, don't you agree?

ALA Acceptance Speeches: HORN BOOK

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? 
Except when what happens there is the annual American Library Association Conference for 2014. It's happening RIGHT NOW, June 26-July 4, 2014,  as I sit at home typing this.

Life has its compensations, though. Because I subscribe to The Horn Book Magazine, I can actually read some of the award winners' acceptance speeches before they are given, thanks to the early arrival of my July/August issue. Of course, I'd rather have a seat at the ticketed presentation events, but I'll get there one of these days. For now, though, I can't even  provide a link so you can read them. Until the big event occurs, that content will be blocked. 

For now, I'll post links to the titles and winners for a few major awards. I encourage you to check them out. After the big day, when links to text (and, I hope, videos) become available, I'll update this post and add them. 

I just had to say for now that the magazine, the conference, the books themselves are celebrations of the best of the best in literature for young readers. I say that deserves to be announced this very minute!

Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2013

I'll start with Caldecott Medal winner, Brian Floca, for the illustration of LOCOMOTIVE.
I urge you to check out this astonishing book, and its creator. Reading his acceptance speech was as informative as it was engaging and provided insight to the time, talent, and collaboration that resulted in this remarkable book. That few nonfiction picture books have ever won the Caldecott Award could have been seen as an impediment, but it outshines any preset expectations. 

LINK will be here: 

Candlewick, 2013

Newbery Medal Winner, Kate DiCamillo, for the distinguished text of FLORA AND ULYSSES. This was quite the year for her, since she has also been the 2014 National Ambassador for Young people's Literature. DiCamillo's acceptance speech is rich with her personal history as  reader from a family of readers. Hers is as much an acceptance and thank you speech as it is an homage to the immeasurable value of books in her life and in the lives of us all. 

It will be worth returning to read it when the link is added here:

Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2013

The Coretta Scott King Medal for Illustration was awarded to Bryan Collier for KNOCK KNOCK. I adored this book from the first time I read it and each time after that. Reading Collier's acceptance speech revealed nuance and layers that eluded me despite careful exploration. I beg you to read and carefully examine this book for yourself (as well as his other titles), then check back to read his speech for yourself after it is linked, here:

The Horn Book Magazine - Bryan Collier Aceptance

Amistad Press, 2013 

The Coretta Scott King Medal for text  was awarded to Rita Williams-Garcia for P. S. BE ELEVEN. This remarkable book depicts urban life in the 1960's. My favorite quote from her speech is, "Life back then screamed for change like an angry baby in a funky diaper. Change. Me. Now!" 
Her voice and language in this book is just as compelling at being able to plant the reader firmly in the time, place, emotions and circumstances of her story regardless of the reader's age or actual circumstances. 
Read the book, please, and also check out Williams-Garcia's speech when it is linked here: 




As I type, review, and post this, the ALA conference continues. These notables and many others will be signing books, giving interviews, and generally basking in well-earned acclaim. Allow yourself a peek at why they are so deserving by reading their books and exploring their websites and other titles.

Memorial Day: Eternal Flames

Image via www.va.gov

On Memorial Day we commemorate and honor those who served our country to assure the continuation of our independence and freedoms. It is indisputable (and honorable) that we should do so.

That we should do so only on this occasion is indeed a travesty. Our year-round acknowledgement of the service and sacrifice of others should extend far beyond the sincerely polite "Thank you for your service" offered to those in uniform when we encounter them, most often in an airport terminal.

A year ago at this time Maurice Sendak had recently died and my remarks about remembering and honoring those who contribute to society's greater good, to our advancement and improvement as people, focused on his remarkable contributions. In that post I urged the use of picture books throughout the year to share history with new generations, to explore and discuss the values and principles that lead us into wars and require vigilant protection.

As I write this today, on Memorial Day weekend, I can't help but focus on a turning point in the Civil Rights movement, leading to the passage of the historic Civil Rights legislation just one year later. Five young girls had completed their Sunday school class in the basement of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hyperion Books, 2001

MARTIN'S BIG WORDS: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr., by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier, does not need me to sing its praises. Named as recipient of the prestigious Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, as a Caldecott Honor Book, Jane Addams Book for Young Readers, ALA Notable Children's Book, and New York Times Book Review Award, to name a few.

 I feature this title, on this weekend, not to honor Dr. King, but to honor the young girls who were killed by the fire bomb thrown into their church that day. Today President Obama signed the Congressional Gold Medal Bill conferring on each of these four girls the highest civilian award granted by our government. The fact that the bill passed on a vote of 97-0 in these contentious political times is every bit as impressive as the passage of the original Civil Rights Act which changed all of our lives. By that I mean that the death of these four young girls can continue to challenge and inspire us to rise above our differences, no matter how deeply held, to do what is right.

So why mention these girls in connection with this book? Find a copy and read Bryan Collier's illustration notes. He refers to his characteristic collage techniques, the symbolism of the stained glass motif, and the portrait images he chose to use. Then he explains his intent for depicting four candles burning brightly on a final page. These represent the four girls who died in the fires on that night fifty years ago.   This is yet another example of the power of picture books, of the  the depths and layers of story, emotion, and insight contained in quality titles for readers of every age.

I honor and applaud the many who serve or served  in uniform, including my father and two brothers-in-law. My attention to this topic in no way reduces my genuine gratitude to them and to all who serve, and to the families who make their service possible.

But the anniversary of the Birmingham church fire, the Congressional Medal celebration, and the Memorial Day weekend came together in my mind in a way I could not ignore. It's easy to associate flames (and bombs) with war and battle. Flames can also inspire, commemorate, honor, and comfort. (Think vigil candles, votive candles, fireworks, and "This Little Light of Mine".) Those who serve in the military let their lights shine for the world on a daily basis. But others may inspire us to our higher selves even when it was never their choice to do so.

May their lights all shine, on and on.

To preview a selection of more traditional picture books on the topic of Memorial Day I'll link you to the always helpful Apples4TheTeacher.com post.

A Bevy of Biographies

Last week the annual American Library Association Youth Media Awards took place. By now you've probably heard that Jon Klassen won the 2013 Caldecott for THIS IS NOT MY HAT, and Katherine Applegate won the 2013 Newbery for THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Many other awards were announced, including winners and honors and lifetime achievement awards. Watching the live webcast was the next best thing to being there, hearing authors and illustrators being cheered like rock stars.

Now that awards season has ended, the litany of monthly "themes" begins: Black History, Women's History, Hispanic Heritage, Poetry, just to name a few. I've stated my case in the past about the mixed benefits of theme months, so this post is in praise of ignoring the calendar and celebrating excellence whenever and wherever we find it. Back in November there was a National Non-Fiction Day and the next will come November 3, 2013. One day in a whole year? For books that share the truth about our world and those who live in it? Really?
Life stories and inspirational life events lend themselves to the power of picture books, and I won't wait until next November to celebrate these with you.

Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012

A worthy place to start is FIFTY CENTS AND A DREAM: YOUNG BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Bryan Collier. (Collier won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award for I TOO AM AMERICA.) 
Washington's drive to read, to learn, to succeed, and to share those opportunities with others is portrayed effectively. The concluding pages point out that he was dismissed for years as too accommodating but has more recently been recognized as a fearless and tireless advocate for equality and justice.
Read more in this Kirkus review.

Scholastic Press, 2012

I recently saw some photos of my grandma with her girlfriends, circa 1910-1914. The images made it perfectly clear that they were a spunky, fun-loving, and adventurous group. A penciled note on the back of one indicated they called themselves the gym-daisies. Reading HERE COME THE GIRL SCOUTS: THE AMAZING ALL TRUE STORY OF JULIETTE "DAISY"GORDON LOW AND HER GREAT ADVENTURE, by Shana Corey, illustrated by Hadley Hooper called those photos to mind. Lively text and muted illustrations describe sweeping passages of time and provide a revealing look at gender stereotyping and social expectations. Everyone should read this.

Eerdmans Books for young Readers, 2012

What a shame it would be to wait for the annual April focus to share poetry and the people who write it.
A RIVER OF WORDS: THE STORY OF WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS, by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet makes it clear that poetry ran through his life on a daily basis, as it should in ours.
The poetry collection on the endpapers is a bonus to this biography of a poet whose work touches nature, emotions, and the funny bone. I loved that the triple timelines in the back matter span his life and the history/works of that time awhile continuing the incredible collage illustration.
Read what Kirkus says in this starred review.

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2005

The previous titles were all 2012 releases, but will continue to find and engage readers in years to come. This has been true for MUSIC FOR THE END OF TIME, by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Beth Peck. This story of the years French composer Olivier Messiaean spent in a German prisoner-of-war camp inspires on many levels- the drive to create, the potential for humane treatment in the worst of situations, the power of inspiration, and the capacity for music (art) to nourish the soul.

A Kirkus review provides even more detail.

Just one glance at the cover art for these titles reveals the range of styles, moods, techniques and approaches used by the various illustrators. The same is true for the text of each. In my opinion (and that's what a blog is for, right?) they are equally excellent, outstanding, distinguished, and worthy of our time and attention. This demonstrates my mixed reaction to awards announcements. So many fine books deserve accolades, and for each one named there are so many others waiting to be discovered and shared. Speak up if you want to share some recommendations of your own.