Hill, L. (2010 ). Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. New York, NY: Little Brown Books.
Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2011. Illustrator Award (Bryan Collins). For Ages: 4-8.
Personal Response:  I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. The illustrator’s choice of colors is brilliant. The blends of browns, grays and beiges seem to bring the pictures to life. Normally, I prefer children’s fiction books, as opposed to non-fiction, but this story reminds me of how my husband enjoys pottery. The steps that the character, Dave has to go through in making the pottery and how he feels when he does, is very similar to my husband. He loves it as well and gives him a feeling of peace and calmness.
Literary Response:  Again, the illustrations in the book tells the tale of a slave man, deeply rooted in culture, is able to pull himself out of his oppressions – if only for a while – and engross himself in his talents. His talents are making pottery and writing poetry. Although the words tell of the steps that he takes to make the pottery, the illustrations truly tell of what he is going through as a slave, artist and poet.