Outside Reading Annotated Bibliographies Assignment 2

Dave the Potter

By Laban Carrick Hill

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

“To us 
it is just dirt,
the ground we walk on...” Dave

Hill Laban Carrick. (2011). Dave the Potter. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is only fitting that we acknowledge the works of Dave.

The author and illustrator of “Dave the Potter”, elegantly tells the story of a man born into slavery in the 1800’s in Edgefield, South Carolina.  Against all odds and obstacles, he is able to express his creativity through his art of poetry and pottery.  I can only imagine this being an escape from his condition of being confined and controlled.  Perhaps this is what fueled his passion to create these beautiful works of art from clay and his insightful messages.

This book is a testament to perseverance, resilience and skill.  Dave wrote on his pots for over three decades despite the constant threat of beatings or even death.  The beautiful pieces he created reflect his beautiful soul.  Because of his tenacity and determination, we are still able to enjoy his contribution to artistry.