Genre 3 Poetry Grimes

Aneesa Lee and the Weaver’s Gift
Written by Nikki Grimes – 1999
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
New York, N.Y. – Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books
ISBN 0-688-15997-4 ISBN 0-688-15998-2

The book of poems is about a young girl that has been given the gift of weaving. It is about her love for weaving the colors of threads into beautiful pieces of tapestries. The art of weaving has been handed down from her mother and it becomes a family affair as they all join in to gather the flowers, berries, roots, dandelions, nettles, and all sorts of mother nature’s creations to create different colors for Aneesa’s tapestries. The love put into every strand of thread, the planning for her creations and the moments she spends working the loom to create cloth can be seen in the words. How this art of weaving bring the whole family together as Aneesa shares her gift.

Analysis

These thirteen interrelated poems and the many radiant illustrations in tempera and gouache creates rhythm and flow as it is read. The imagery of the language used in the poems is helped by the vivid ancient art illustrations provided by Ashley Bryan. It has an appealing rhyme that children will enjoy. The poems have a lot sensory words that you can visually see the pictures of the events. The book is just long enough to be enjoyed in one sitting as it tells a story, even though each poem has a different title. You can see the love Aneesa has for weaving “Twist,twirl/Twist,twirl/,The spinning wheel whirls, all time forgotten/As, magically, once gossamer stuff/Becomes through her fingers sturdy enough/For weaving cloth that is sure to last/At least one hundred years”, is a good example of gift. Students will find this and easy read and enjoyable book.




Reviews

“In a series of thoughtful, interlocking poems, Grimes skillfully uses the metaphor of weaving to explore the world of a talented girl… The poet reveals Aneesa Lee’s life and thoughts through the intricate patterns of her work (herringbone of sadness,/threads of anger and gladness;” “Her yarns express her deepest thoughts/in variegated tints:)….A list of terms integral to the craft will aid novices. For adult weavers, the book will be a treasure, and for children, it serves as a glimpse into the intricacies not only of weaving, but the patterns of daily life.

Publishers Weekly

…”Decorative borders reflect the artistic unity of words and illustrations. A glossary of “Weaving Words” and a picture of a fully labeled loom precede the poems. This sensitive tribute to an ancient art may best be appreciated by those who pursue the craft themselves.”

Library Journal

“13 poems about the art of weaving, literally and figuratively. The poems describe the art and the craft of weaving including gathering natural materials for making dyes, spinning yarn, warping the board, dressing the loom, and completing the tapestry….The illustration of Aneesa, her family, and the weaving process contain bright threads of unexpected color, creating another kind of tapestry. Some pictures achieve a shimmering intensity: those created for “Sunset” and “Once” are so full of motion, they harly lie still on the page.”

Kirkus


Connection

Pre – reading by showing students an example of a tapestry.

Discuss color the artist in the book chose, design and texture. Talk the book.

Knowledge of words and comprehension by describing Aneesa Lee in your own words.

Http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/aneesatgl/html
Use other books about weaving
Abuela’s Weave by O. Castaneda
Agatha’s Feather Bed by C. Deedy
Amos’ Sweater by Lunn and LaFave
Granpa Bear’s Fantastic Scarf by G. Heal
Lyddie by K. Paterson
The Legend of the Persian Carpet by T. De Paola