Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

Sweet Clara And The Freedom Quilt is a children's book by Deborah Hopkinson. It's about a young slave girl named Clara who is skilled in knitting and creating fabric patterns. Clara makes a map in a quilt with fabrics and different patterns from information and details gathered over time, that leads to freedom. When Clara leaves her plantation and makes it to Canada she leave behind the quilt to help others find freedom.

 James Ransome illustrated this book using the oil painting technique with representational art. The art work presented in this book are original and absolutely remarkable.

This book is a great source for teaching children about American history. It covers a small aspect of slavery. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt goes into the lifestyle; differences between a house slave and a field slave, separation between households, and the search for freedom.

Activities and Response Questions:

1. Have the children create a map with patterns of their surroundings, whether it be at school or home.

2. Have a group discussion with the kids about slavery and what they understand about it.

3. What is the author purpose for writing this story? Explain in a brief description.

 

Reference:

Hopkinson, Deborah (1993) Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books.