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Seven Spools of Thread

A Kwanzaa Story

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001
2001 ALA Notable Book for Children
2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List
2003 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001
2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book
2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award

"A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.

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    • The Horn Book

      January 1, 2001
      This story is based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Seven quarrelsome brothers from a small Ghanaian village are a source of disappointment to their father. When he dies, he leaves his sons a challenge to earn his inheritance. They must work together to make gold out of silk thread; if they argue and fail, they receive nothing. Vibrant linoleum block prints accompany the rhythmic text, which concludes with instructions on weaving Kente-style cloth.

      (Copyright 2001 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

    • Booklist

      September 15, 2000
      Ages 5-8. In " The Seven Days of Kwanzaa: How "to Celebrate Them (1994), the author offered ideas, including crafts and recipes, for celebrating the cultural holiday. This latest title is an original folktale that will help introduce children to the holiday's seven principles, while also suggesting how Kente cloth was first created. In a Ghanian village, a father's will commands that his seven argumentative sons must make gold from silk thread "by the time the moon rises," without fighting. Working together, the brothers create a tapestry of Kente cloth, the first multicolored cloth the village has seen, which they sell to the king's treasurer for gold, before returning to their village to farm and live harmoniously. Well-paced, the story incorporates the Kwanzaa values without spelling them out too much. Minter's attractively composed, dramatic painted linocuts, with strong community images and lively, silhouetted figures, root the story in a sun-drenched, magical landscape that will draw children even after repeated readings. An introductory section, with glossary and pronunciation guide explaining the principles, and an appended craft activity round out the volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)

Formats

  • OverDrive Read

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:3.9
  • Lexile® Measure:610
  • Interest Level:K-3(LG)
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

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