An eloquently written and illustrated volume features poems crafted out of the tradition of quilting and the tragedy of slavery. Each poem, named for a quilt block, is comprised of ten lines of ten syllables each to mimic a (quilt) block–like structure. Poet Cynthia Grady incorporates a biblical/spiritual reference, a musical reference, and a sewing/fiber arts reference into each poem, to reflect the three layers of a quilt. Her words and imagery seam the poems with threads of pain and hope. Michele Wood’s stunning illustrations incorporate the specific quilt block motif of each poem while giving beautiful face and form to its subject. Each page spread features the poem and a brief paragraph about its content on one side, and a stirring, full-page painting on the other. An informative introduction, as well as a rich author’s note and illustrator’s note are included, along with references. (Age 9 and older)