Stitchin' and Pullin' ~ Patricia C. McKissack

Stitchin’ and Pullin’

Written by Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

For hundreds of years, the women of Gee’s Bend have quilted together…stitchin’ and pullin’. Baby Girl anxiously awaits the day that she is able to join in at the quilting frame. This book chronicles her story of joining in with the other women and puzzling her quilt together piece by piece. She takes old clothes, handkerchiefs, and tablecloths to use for her quilt and remembers the stories behind each swatch of fabric.

The book parallels the progress of quilting with that of the freedom struggle of Baby Girl’s ancestors. As a young girl, my daughter enjoyed the book. She asked questions about some of the issues raised in the book, but by the end, she wanted to cut up her clothes to make her own quilt so that (in her own words), she “can remember.” The book does address issues of slavery, which may be inappropriate for younger children. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Stitchin’ and Pullin’

Originally posted on May 26, 2018.