Stitchin' and Pullin'

Baby Girl learns the art of quilting from the women of Gee's Bend, Alabama - a community known for its distinctive quilting tradition. Through free-verse poetry and vivid illustrations, the book follows her introduction to this craft passed down through generations. The story takes place against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, connecting the quilting traditions of Gee's Bend to broader themes of African American history and culture. The women's quilting circle serves as both an artistic outlet and a space for community gathering. Through Baby Girl's experiences, readers discover how quilts tell stories and preserve memories. Cozbi A. Cabrera's acrylic paintings complement McKissack's text with rich colors and expressive scenes from life in Gee's Bend. This picture book explores themes of artistic expression, intergenerational bonds, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It demonstrates how craft traditions can connect people to their history and strengthen community ties.

Readers praise this children's book for teaching quilting traditions while weaving in African American history and civil rights themes. Many parents and teachers note it works well for ages 7-10. Common praise points: - Beautiful, detailed illustrations that show quilting techniques - Effective way to discuss civil rights with children - Multi-generational family relationships - Blend of historical and personal storytelling Critical feedback: - Some find the narrative structure choppy - A few readers note the text can be too complex for younger children - Several mention wanting more quilting instruction details Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (216 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "My students connected with the sense of community and loved learning about quilting codes used during the Underground Railroad." A parent wrote: "The artwork carries this book - my daughter spent more time studying the quilting patterns than listening to the story."

Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson Chronicles generations of women who created quilts marking paths to freedom during slavery, connecting African American craft traditions to stories of resistance and hope.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson Tells the story of an enslaved seamstress who sews a map-quilt to guide people to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud Details a young girl's escape from slavery using a quilt code sewn by her mother with hidden messages in the patterns.

The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini Weaves together a story of quilting lessons that bridge generations and heal family relationships in a close-knit Pennsylvania community.

Belle, The Last Mule at Gee's Bend by Calvin Alexander Ramsey Connects the history of Gee's Bend to the Civil Rights Movement through the true story of a mule who carried mourners to Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral.

🧵 The Gee's Bend quilters have been creating distinctive geometric quilts since the mid-19th century, with their work now displayed in major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 📚 Patricia McKissack wrote over 100 children's books during her career, earning multiple Coretta Scott King Awards and a Newbery Honor. 🏆 Gee's Bend quilts have been featured on U.S. postage stamps (2006), recognizing their significance in American folk art history. 🎨 Illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera is also a professional dollmaker whose handcrafted dolls have been featured in museums and collections worldwide. 🗺️ Gee's Bend (officially called Boykin) is a small, remote community surrounded on three sides by the Alabama River, which helped preserve its unique quilting traditions and culture.