Coretta Scott King Award winner: Dave the Potter

Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier is the story of an enslaved potter who lived most of his life between 1800-1860 in rural South Carolina.  His story is interesting in that he was both a very skilled potter who worked under slavery, and he could also write poetry that was included on several pots.  Many of his pots are still around and in museums and collections--a testament of his hard work and skill. 

Half of the book is the actual storybook, telling in prose how Dave the Potter worked under enslavement and yet was a testament to the human spirit.  The 2nd half of the book is background history on who Dave the potter was and what it is we know about him. 

I checked this book out from the elementary library I work at as a computer tech.  It was on the storybook table, the librarian reports that she just started reading this one and the kids love it. 

I found the artwork exceptional and should be perfect for young audiences.

More info on Dave the Potter.