Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hill, Laban Carrick. 2010. DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316107310.

PLOT SUMMARY
DAVE THE POTTER is the story of a slave who uses ordinary dirt to make pottery. He sees beauty in the clay that he will work to make a jar. He leaves us bits and pieces of his story in the words and poems in inscribes in his pottery. This book gives us a different look at the life of this unique slave.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This nonfiction book is based on the few facts that are known about Dave’s life. The bibliography at the end of the book shows the reader where the information for the book was found. There is also a list of three websites you can visit to get more information about Dave the Potter. The authors note at the back describes more about the life of this particular slave and why some information was kept out of the book. There are more examples of what Dave wrote in his pottery and what the words might have meant.

DAVE THE POTTER shows a different kind of life for a slave than is found in most books written about this time period. Dave was educated enough to be able to write on his pottery. He also seemed to be doing a task that he enjoyed as opposed to working in the house or in the fields. This book also differs from other books I have read about slaves because there is no master directing Dave to do his work or overseeing the work he is doing.

Collier’s illustrations really bring to life the process of creating pottery. The detailed paintings and collages show the step-by-step process to transform ordinary dirt into works of art. Readers will feel like they have a better understanding of the pottery making progression by looking at the illustrations of each step, especially the way Dave’s hands are working to mold the clay. One particularly moving illustration is that of Dave with his face to the sky and arms outstretched remembering the family and friends that are no longer with him.

To me this book is more about an artist creating a masterpiece than a slave who is working. If you really want to know about Dave’s life you have to read the pages at the end of the book with the heading “Dave: A Life.” These pages are too difficult for a young child to read so I’m not sure that they would really understand that it was amazing that Dave could write and was allowed to write just by reading the story. I think this book would be a good, gentle introduction to slavery for young children. You do get some glimpses of the life others are living when you see people working in the fields.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Winner of the 2011 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
2011 Caldecott Honor Book
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The life of an astonishingly prolific and skilled potter who lived and died a slave in 19th-century South Carolina is related in simple, powerful sentences that outline the making of a pot. An inspiring story, perfectly presented and sure to prompt classroom discussion and projects. Outstanding in every way”
BOOKLIST: “The book’s quiet dignity comes from its refusal to scrutinize life as a slave; instead, it is nearly a procedural, following Dave’s mixing, kneading, spinning, shaping, and glazing. Collier’s gorgeous watercolor-and-collage illustrations recall the work of E. B. Lewis—earth-toned, infused with pride, and always catching his subjects in the most telling of poses. A beautiful introduction to a great lost artist..”

CONNECTIONS
-Read in an art class before students make pottery. Have them inscribe something into their pottery.
-Read and discuss how even though Dave was a slave he still found something he liked to do. Discuss the importance of doing things you enjoy.