Stitchin' and Pullin': A Gee's Bend Quilt - Hardcover

Stitchin' and Pullin': A Gee's Bend Quilt

This collection of poems tells the story of the quilt-making community in Gee's Bend, Alabama, now available as a Dragonfly paperback. For generations, the women of Gee's Bend have made quilts to keep families warm, as a pastime accompanied by sharing and singing, or to memorialize loved ones. Today, the same quilts hang on museum walls as modern masterpieces of color and design.

Award-Winning Author Patricia C. McKissack

Inspired by these quilts and the women who made them, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack traveled to Alabama to learn their stories. The lyrical rite-of-passage narrative seamlessly weaves together the familial, cultural, spiritual, and historical strands of life in this community. McKissack is the author of the Caldecott Honor Book "Mirandy and Brother Wind" and the Newbery Honor Book "The Dark-Thirty." She and her husband, Fred, have written over a hundred books about the African American experience. She has received the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children's books and the Virginia Hamilton Award.

Authentic Research and Illustration

To capture the authentic lives of the quilters, Patricia McKissack spent several days in Gee's Bend, Alabama, with the quilt makers and even received a quilting lesson. The book features illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera, recognized for her handmade textile work, including quilts and clothing. Her collectible cloth dolls ("munecas") received national attention on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Martha Stewart Show."

Educational and Cultural Value

This poetry collection serves as an educational resource for children ages 4-8, introducing them to African American history, cultural heritage, and the artistic legacy of Gee's Bend. The narrative format makes it an excellent read-aloud book for classrooms and families, celebrating family traditions, women artists, and Southern history through the lens of textile arts.