Book Title: The Keeping Quilt
Author(s): Patricia Polacco
Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright Date: 1988
Genre: Narrative nonfiction picturebook
Brief Annotation: The Keeping Quilt tells the story of the author’s family heritage and the passing down of a quilt from generation to generation. Her great grandmother emigrated from Russia and as a way to remember their homeland, she and her mother make a quilt out of an array of meaningful fabrics. The quilt serves many functions for her family through the years: a tablecloth for Sabbath dinner, a cover for the huppa at weddings, a baby blanket for newborns, a cape during playtime. Its importance and meaning to the family is evident throughout this story.
Your Rating (1-5) and why: 5—Patricia Polacco’s books are among my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. I love how she depicts the quilt, which is always drawn in color, while everything else is drawn in black and white, and how the story follows the quilt through several generations. It’s also interesting to learn a little more about Judaism and their traditions and how, in the book, some remain the same while others change over generations. Through the pictures and in the words, readers can really sense the love between the family members and the symbolism of the quilt.
Readers who will like this book: Children who like stories that are based on true events; kids interested in learning about different cultures and traditions; teachers incorporating a quilt theme in their classroom or wanting a text to use while teaching about immigration, customs, or family/cultural history
Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: What are some important keepsakes you have in your family? What do they mean to you and your family?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): Grades 3—5
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.3
3. List awards: Sydney Taylor Award
4. Book trailer: None
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