DAVE THE POTTER

ARTIST, POET,SLAVE

Dave the Potter

Artist, Poet, Slave

Written By: Laban Carrick

Illustrated by: Bryana Collier

Little, Brown and Company, 2010

23 Pages

Nonfiction

            I chose this book because on the illustrations and because it is a nonfiction cultural story which I think all classrooms need.  The story tells the real life story of a man named Dave who was an artist, poet, and slave who lived in the 1800’s. The story begins by telling Dave’s’ perspectives on the ingredients he uses for his pottery verses everyone else’s. After the perspective, the story describes the steps Dave has to take in order to make a pot. Sometimes, Dave would even write a short poem on his pieces to make his mark on his art.

            The illustrations in the story won a Caldecott Medal for its beautiful, realistic nature. In creating the illustrations, Bryana Collier, took the time and researched Dave to ensure the pictures captured a place in time. Bryana Collier used freehand watercolors.

            For classroom use, this story could be used for a history lesson on Dave and artistry. Also the story could be used for lessons on prospection and pottery. The story is appropriate for all ages, but I would recommend it form grades second to fourth due to the history involved.