Stitch by Stitch
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
An awe-inspiring African American woman! A talented seamstress, born a slave, bought freedom for herself and her son.
This picture book biography weaves together historical details, vibrant collages, and the words of her own journals to bring to light the life and beautiful work Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, the seamstress who bought herself and son out of slavery. Lizzy’s story of hardship and resilience offers an untold side of history during a time of great injustice and change.
Born enslaved in 1818 on a Virginian plantation, Lizzy experienced and witnessed unspeakable cruelty. When she was sent to workfor a tailor, her wages went to her master, not Lizzy. However, the beautiful gowns that Lizzy created attracted the attention of the wealthiest women in Virginia, even Mrs. Jefferson Davis. With money from her patrons, Lizzy bought her freedom and her son’s freedom working tirelessly stitch by stitch, going on to design gowns for the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and grow an influentialcareer.
This inspiring story about an unsung hero is beautifully illustrated with oil paint, cut paper and fabric collage and hand-embroidery by Elizabeth Zunon that brings Lizzy’s dresses to life. Connie Morrison writes with straightforward honesty and clarity, seamlesslyincluding research on fashion, life, and politics of the time. The backmatter includes a bibliography for further reading.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Featuring plentiful italicized block quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's (1818–1907) memoir, Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House, this picture book biography centers the Black seamstress's indomitable spirit, from being "born a slave," buying her freedom and that of her son with her dressmaking skills, and sewing for D.C.'s elite, including First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Schofield-Morrison offers accessible, starkly rendered prose, highlighting accounts of Lizzy witnessing an auction of an enslaved child and being "brutally beaten," alongside historical context. Employing the chorus "stitch by stitch," Schofield-Morrison emphasizes Keckly's resolve: "Lizzy agreed to receive money from her patrons only under the condition that she would repay them... stitch by stitch." Zunon embroiders Keckly's oft-difficult life story across lush, multilayered mixed-media spreads, featuring a beguiling tapestry of oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué, in this sobering profile. Back matter features an author's note, timeline, and bibliography. Ages 7–10.
