“Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave” by Laban Carrick Hill, is a book that was published in 2012 that addresses diversity. Diversity is addressed through this text because the story invites the reader into the life of Dave, an African American slave. The book discusses how Dave learned to form a life as a slave through molding clay. Dave lived in a society that discouraged and threatened him for his brilliance in art. Despite being looked down upon, Dave worked hard to create clay pots that were beautiful as well as functional.
This story should be included in every school library because it teaches a variety of lessons. “Dave the Potter” shows the diverse culture of a man enslaved because of the color of his skin, but it also teaches the lesson that the thoughts of others should never define anyone. If Dave had believed all that people had said about him, he would have never been the successful artists that he is known as today. Since this book offers both historical lessons as well as important character lessons, it is important to share with every child in an Elementary school.
“Dave the Potter” should also be included in every school library media center collection because of the vivid illustrations that display the art Dave produced in a vivid and beautiful way. The illustrations will engage students in the text and allow them to see what life was like for Dave as a slave. The illustrations will also show students how hard Dave had to work to create his clay pots. “Dave the Potter” is an enlightening story that should not be missed!
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