Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

Written by Deborah Hopkinson

A seamstress crafts a secret map to freedom using scraps of cloth.

4.4 Goodreads · 1,940 ratings

40 pages· 2,141 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud· AD680L

$7.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Clara, a slave and seamstress, dreams of reuniting with her mother and escaping to freedom. When she learns about the Underground Railroad, inspiration strikes. She uses fabric scraps to create a hidden map—a freedom quilt—that no master would suspect. Will her creativity and courage lead her to liberation? This tale of determination and ingenuity offers a poignant glimpse into a pivotal moment in history.

From the publisher

Illus. in full color. As a seamstress in the Big House, Clara dreams of areunion with her Momma, who lives on another plantation–and even of runningaway to freedom. Then she overhears two slaves talking about the UndergroundRailroad. In a flash of inspiration, Clara sees how she can use the cloth inher scrap bag to make a map of the land–a freedom quilt–that no master willever suspect. “A particularly effective way to introduce the subject to youngerchildren, adding a trenchant immediacy to their understanding of a difficultbut important chapter in the country’s past.”–(starred) “Horn Book.” “This first-rate book is a triumph of the heart.”–(starred) “PublishersWeekly. “

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