Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet 
Written and illustrated by Andrea Cheng
9781600604515
Sometime around 1815, an enslaved young man named Dave was brought to Edgefield, South Carolina, the center of a pottery-producing area known for the alkaline glazes used on the stoneware. Dave was taught how to turn pots and jars on a pottery wheel by one of his first owners. As Dave’s talent flourished, he created pieces of great beauty and often massive size. He also somehow learned to read and write, in spite of South Carolina’s strongly-held fear of slave literacy. And then Dave did something even more incredible—he began to sign his jars and carve many of them with sayings and poems that reflected his daily life and experiences. He spoke out against slavery not by protesting or revolting, but by daring to write at all.
Andrea Cheng has crafted a biography in verse as beautiful as one of Dave’s jars. In simple, powerful words, including some of Dave’s original writings, we learn his extraordinary story of courage, creative inspiration, and triumph. Today Dave is considered to be a master craftsperson whose jars are among the most sought-after pieces of Edgefield pottery.
See how the Etched in Clay artwork was made.
Teacher's Guide
Read Andrea Cheng's Interview in School Library Journal 
Booktalk with author and illustrator Andrea Cheng
Podcast interview with: - Awards
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"Starred Review"
Kirkus Reviews
"Starred Review"
School Library Journal
Junior Library Guild Selection
- Interest Level
- Grades 4 and up
- Reading Level
- Grade 5
- Themes
- Art, Biography, African/African American Interest, Discrimination, Historical Interest, Overcoming Obstacles, Poetry, Self Esteem/Identity, Slavery, United States History, Middle Grade
Andrea Cheng
is the author of several critically-acclaimed books for young readers. Her works range from picture books to young adult novels, and her stories often draw on the experiences of her Hungarian relatives or her husband’s Chinese family. When not writing books, Cheng teaches English as a Second Language at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Cheng and her husband have three grown children. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. You can find her online at www.andreacheng.com.
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