Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Hudson Talbott,
Show way.
Putnam, 2005.

Ages 5-9

As author Jacqueline Woodson traces her family history from the times of slavery to today, she celebrates the resilience of each successive generation as embodied by a woman or girl who courageously strived for more—for herself, her family, and her people. Each woman or girl is known by her spirit and accomplishments if not always by her name. Connecting each generation in Wooodson's stirring, beautifully written narrative are the sewing skills that were passed down from mother to daughter, along with their stories and the quilt that had mapped the way to freedom: patches and stitches forming the pattern that showed the way. Woodson's moving tribute to past, present, and future is sewn from the stitches she creates with words, carrying on the tradition in her own way. This moving and uplifting picture book features stunning illustrations by Hudson Talbott that integrate quilt motifs with other images from African American history.

Megan Schliesman
November 2005