Book Review - Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
(Image obtained from the Dallas Public Library website: http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/)
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hill, Laban Carrick. 2010. DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316107310
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A glimpse into one aspect in the life of a literate and skilled 19th century South Carolina slave, Dave, is introduced through this wonderfully crafted picture book. Although during the 1800’s African-Americans were discouraged and forbidden from reading and writing, this slave was a potter that inscribed poems on many of his works. This story depicts another side of slave life not usually explored. Many stories may focus on what manual laborers experienced. This story demonstrates the skill and pride Dave had in working with his hands in a different format, as well as using his mind.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
“Dave the Potter…” moves the reader into sequential order of the creation of the enormous pots and jars made by Dave. Even the essential tools needed in the process were introduced in text and illustration. Laban C. Hill uses the term “large enough to…” on several occasions throughout the text to earmark the size and strength it must have taken to accomplish the task. Thus, the use of this term along with simile allows the reader to visualize these great works of art, and the effort by which they were made. Other word choices in the text such as – “gritty,” “squishy,” “cool,” “wet,” “clumps,” “sixty pounds,” and “immense weight,” added a sensory experience in which readers are sure to connect.
Besides the auditory cues the author offers to readers as they read aloud, it is also important to note that the illustrations really help tell the story. Bryan Collier does an excellent job in showing the concentration on Dave’s face, as well as posture and demeanor, while the pottery was formed. The visual step-by-step journey in creating the pots will certainly draw interest to this art form. In addition, the watercolor and collage imagery, alongside with hues of Earth tones (mainly browns, blues, and greens,) added a nice touch that resonate a sense of peace.
On the final page of the text, the details of the poem, date, and Dave’s signature were carefully carved in the gigantic pot. Completion of a day’s journey to Dave…but for us a glimpse into the spirit of determination of a hardworking “American” – not just a slave. His work has much value in today’s society. A photograph of the real-life pots and jars he created were featured. Astounding – many would be honored to own these works of such beauty. It allows readers to actually see the true artistry left behind in Dave’s legacy.
Although the language is simple, in some aspects the concepts involving metaphors in the imagery may be difficult to grasp for young readers. However, through further investigation and appropriate guidance, readers of various ages can enjoy the message this story evokes.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book
The Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “An inspiring story...Outstanding in every way.”
BOOKLIST: “A beautiful introduction to a great lost artist.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· This would be a great way to integrate visual arts themes during Black History Month. The Visual Arts teacher could introduce pottery, sculpture, or other hands-on projects with clay, along with this story.
· Other books for children related to pottery:
Nierman, Kevin. Arima, Curtis. 2000. THE KIDS ‘N’ CLAY CERAMICS BOOK. ISBN 9781883672898
Utley, Chris. Magson, Mal. 2007. EXPOLORING CLAY WITH CHILDREN: 20 SIMPLE PROJECTS. ISBN 9780713688184
· Other books for children related to biography, art forms, and/or slavery:
McKissack, Pat. 1944. STICHIN’ AND PULLIN’: A GEE’S BEND QUILT. ISBN 9780375831638
Rappaport, Doreen. 2000. FREEEDOM RIVER. ISBN 0786803509
Schroeder, Alan. 2009. IN HER HANDS: THE STORY OF SCULPTOR AUGUSTA SAVAGE.
ISBN 9781600603327
· Websites with lesson ideas:
Other resources used:
This book review was created as an assignment for a course at
Texas Woman’s University.
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