Book review: Dave the Potter

Book cover from Bryan Collier

Hill, L.C. (2010). Dave the potter: Artist, poet, slave. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company.

*Winner of the 2011 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award (Bryan Collier)*

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave is a wonderful historical account of Dave, a slave who was an unlikely artisan.  Most slaves were not allowed to do skilled labor, so Dave's work is that much more impressive. Written in verse, the book takes the reader through the process of Dave’s work, showcasing his strength, attention to detail, and devotion to his work. The poem compares our modern-day perspective—“To us/it is just dirt”—to Dave’s—“But to Dave/it was clay.” This gives the reader a stronger insight into how important his work was to him.  He had a vision in his art that he was able to share with the world. Pottery is a practical art, but Dave even inscribed his with short poems that he wrote. Bryan Collier’s watercolor and collage illustrations are created in natural colors, and the detail of each scene is breathtaking. I often felt like I was looking at a photograph until I looked closer at the collaged pictures. 

There are many important things to be learned from this book.  Lovers of history and lovers of art will both love the story it tells. It is a great discussion starter about American slavery, and a way to learn about the life of a slave. It is also an introduction into earlier methods of making pottery. Yet another draw is studying the simple poetic lines that Dave added to his work. Dave the Potter is a must read for everyone.

Recommended Grade Level: 3-5

Recommendation: Recommended