Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

By Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel Minter

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001
2001 ALA Notable Book for Children
2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List
2003 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001
2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book
2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award

"A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
• Release date: Sep 1, 2000
• ISBN: 9780807573174

Book preview

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Reviews for Seven Spools of Thread

[jguidry-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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 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.

[engpunk77 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lovely folk tale explaining Kwaanza.

[amaguirr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[foster7_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

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 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.