Reviews: (by author)

Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. Illus. James Ransome. New York: Knopf, reissued 2003. $15.95. ISBN 0-679-82311-X.

You can feast on this book: its rich, exciting story, the expressiveness of the painted characters, the finely textured detail in each picture. The story is told by Clara, a young slave taken from her mother's side to a distant plantation. There she is mentored by a woman she comes to call Aunt Rachel, who teaches her the fine art of sewing, and, more particularly, quilt-making. Clara grows up to make a quilt in which an escape route to freedom is depicted, the work of many years. Leaving the quilt behind for others willing to risk the break from bondage, she herself escapes to the north.

Clara exhibits initiative, courage, intelligence, and creativity-- a remarkable person shown in a cruel world in which generosity and friendship are communal codes. The storytelling itself is lively and personable. Hopkinson has written several books and won many awards for them, such as the International Reading Association Children's Book Award for this book.

Ransome's painting are full of atmosphere, texture and information, truly illustrating the life of the community and the individuals in it. Furthermore, because the book is about sewing and quilting, the patterns of beautiful quilts and other colorful creations tumble off the pages.

Highly recommended.

A.A. Sp '03

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