The Quilts of Gee's Bend
on Goodreads (295)
What’s inside...
Since the early nineteenth century, the women of Gee's Bend in southern Alabama have created stunning, vibrant quilts. In the only photo-essay book about the quilts of Gee's Bend for children, Susan Goldman Rubin explores the history and culture of these women and their unique quilting traditions. Through meticulous research, Rubin offers an exclusive look at an important facet of African American art and culture. The quilts and the stories behind them serve as powerful motivators for anyone who wishes to accomplish anything. The book includes directions on how to make a quilt square, endnotes, and an index, making it a valuable resource for classrooms, libraries, and those interested in African American art, quilting, and the history of emancipated colonies in the South.
Age
8-12
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each quilt tells us about the person who made it?
How do the colors and patterns in the quilts make you feel?
Why do you think quilting was important to the women of Gee's Bend?
How can creating something like a quilt express someone's history and emotions?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the quilts, encourage your child to describe their favorite patterns and colors and explore what those choices might say about their own personality.
Use the book's imagery to help your child imagine living in Gee's Bend, asking them how they would feel creating art with limited resources.
Tie in personal family history by sharing stories or examples of traditions and crafts from your own family’s past, helping the child connect with the book on a personal level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Heritage and Culture
Explanation: The book highlights the rich history and cultural significance of the quilts made in Gee's Bend, showing how they reflect the creativity and resilience of the African American community there.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and explore their own family histories and cultural backgrounds, understanding that these are unique and valuable.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The story showcases how the women of Gee's Bend express themselves through the art of quilting, using scraps of fabric to create beautiful designs.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative outlets, whether through art, music, or writing, understanding that there's no wrong way to express oneself.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Innovation
Explanation: The quilters use whatever materials they have available, often repurposing old clothes or fabric scraps, demonstrating innovation with limited resources.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be resourceful by using materials around them to create something new and valuable, promoting sustainable practices.
Example Lesson: Community and Collaboration
Explanation: The book portrays the communal aspect of quilt making, where women come together to quilt and support each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of teamwork and how working together can achieve remarkable results, through group activities or collaborative projects at school.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite economic hardships and racial injustices, the women of Gee's Bend continued to create these quilts, passing down their skills through generations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through challenges and the importance of preserving cultural practices and family traditions despite adversities.