Status
Available
Local notes
394.261 2 Med
Collection
Genres
Publication
Albert Whitman & Co (2000), School & Library Binding, 40 pages
Description
When they are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold, the seven Ashanti brothers put aside their differences, learn to get along, and embody the principles of Kwanzaa. Includes information on Kwanzaa, West African cloth weaving, and instructions for making a belt.
Awards
Show Me Readers Award (Nominee — 2003)
Notable Children's Book (2001)
Physical description
40 p.; 10.36 inches
User reviews
LibraryThing member foster7
This is the story of seven brothers in Ghana, that always argued with one another. Upon their father's death, they learn that their inheritance will be divided evenly between them. But, in order to receive the inheritance, they must work together and "learn how to make gold out of these spools of
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silk thread." They decided to weave the thread together, to create a beautiful, patterned cloth. Then, they sold their cloth in exchange for gold. In order to help the poor people of their village, they decide to "teach them how to turn thread into gold." In the pages preceding the story, the author, Angela Shelf Medearis, provides information about the holiday Kwanzaa, and its seven principles. The story was written to embody the principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Medearis' story shows what can happen when people work together. It is written as a kind of folk tale, and illustrated beautifully. Illustrator Daniel Minter created artwork from linoleum block prints. Each illustration shows the seven sons, wearing bright red garments that reveal their strong arms and dark skin. Their faces are not seen, but, instead, are like silhouettes. The sun shines in each picture, and and readers can almost feel its heat. Children who are learning about Kwanzaa can benefit from this story, as can any child. Show Less
LibraryThing member amaguirr
Just read it and loved it. I really liked how each principle was outlined. The story about the seven brothers was wonderful and the illustrations are beautiful.
LibraryThing member suarnawa1
In this fable seven sons from a small African village are always quarreling. One day the father died and the seven brothers had to make gold out of the seven spools of thread that the father left for them . If they succeed then they get all of the fathers' possessions. They worked together to make
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a loom and weave the most beautiful fabric. The king bought the fabric for gold and they sons taught the other villagers how to make the fabric from the loom. The villagers prospered. I would use this story as a multicultural tale which teaches a moral of how to work together and not be greedy. I love the art used on the black cards which scratch out the rainbow scenes. Show Less
LibraryThing member jguidry
This story was wonderfully illustrated. The story teaches students a wonderful lesson tied into the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The author gives an excellent description of Kwanzaa's history and principles in the beginning and even gives a fun craft activity at the end. However, the
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principles will not be obvious to children through the story alone. Connections need to be made through the information at the beginning or through discussion. But, it's an excellent book to discuss with children. Show Less
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Pages
40