Quilt of States: Piecing Together America

This unique idea provides a quilt to represent each state, with an explanatory text about the state, each written by one of "50 librarians from across the nation." Another interesting National Geographic book for children. The teacher might be able to obtain and bring in some actual quilts and talk about the reality and symbolism of quilt making communities.

My late sister wrote the New Mexico segment of this book. Her publisher's copy arrived just days before she passed and we were charmed that she could be a part of such an amazing project. The illustrations are beautiful - the book is a "must" for quilters, libarians, and all children learning about their states. You won't be disappointed!

Rebeccasreads highly recommends QUILTS OF STATES as a superb way to learn both the history of how America came into being, the geography of our country & the bright & charming uses of quilting montages with brief stories as told by librarians of each state. QUILTS OF STATES has an historical introduction with each state listed according to when they joined the Union, with two page quilts for how our nation looked in 1790, after the Louisianna Purchase, the Missouri Compromise, the Mexican War, Secession & the later inclusion of Alaska & Hawaii. A magnificent addition to libraries of both patriots & quilters.

Author Adrienne Yorinks and fifty librarians across the United States have literally stitched together an exquisite, exceptional creation. The book begins with a historical introduction. After briefly chronicling the arrival of the first Europeans up to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, Yorinks notes, "[E]ventually, all 13 former Colonies ratified the Constitution and joined a new nation. It would take more than 170 years from the creation of the first state for the U.S. to become the 50 states that it is today. Every state has had its own unique path to statehood. This is their story." Each state is given its own double-page spread, beginning with the "First State," Delaware, and ending with the "Aloha State," Hawaii. Each spread features a colorful, illustrative quilt piece created by Ms. Yorinks as well as a brief state history written by a librarian from that particular state. Readers will find appended four pages of state facts and an index. In the author/illustrator's note, Ms. Yorinks writes, "My goal was to create something special, something truly unique." In that she has succeed spectacularly! This is not just a book, but a work of art that is sure to become a classroom classic. A definite "must-have." Suitable for district-wide purchase.