Sweet Potato Pie

By Kathleen D. Lindsey, Charlotte Riley-Webb
    Paperback: $10.95

    In this fictional story set in the South in the 1920s, an African American girl and her family sell Mama’s sweet potato pies at the Harvest Celebration to raise money and save their farm.

    Description

    The summer a great drought sweeps across the county, the only crop Sadie’s family is able to save is the sweet potatoes. Money is tight, and if Papa doesn’t pay back his loan soon, the bank will take away the farm.

    Suddenly Mama comes up with an idea – sweet potato pies! The family can sell her pies at the Harvest Celebration that starts the very next day. There’s not much time to get ready, but as Sadie and her brother enlist the cooperation of their old cow, squawking chickens, and half-blind goat, the family rises to the challenge. And in the end it’s Sadie who comes up with just the right recipe for success.

    Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious affirmation of strong family ties and creative problem solving. This lively story will capture your heart, as well as your taste buds. Loosely based on Lindsey’s memories of her great grandmother’s stories, the story took shape in Lindsey’s mind as she sewed a quilt called “Sweet Potato Pie.”

    About the Creators

    Kathleen D. Lindsey
    Kathleen D. Lindsey

    Kathleen D. Lindsey won the New Jersey General Assembly Award for "A Stitch in Time," a performance highlighting the history of African Americans before and after the Civil War. Sweet Potato Pie, her first book, is loosely based on Lindsey's memories of her great grandmother's stories, and the story took shape in Lindsey's mind as she sewed a quilt called "Sweet Potato Pie." Lindsey and her family live in Clayton, New Jersey.

    Charlotte Riley-Webb

    Charlotte Riley-Webb is a fine artist whose paintings have appeared in more than 25 major exhibitions worldwide. Much of her work focuses on visually documenting her African American heritage, and the significance of music to that heritage can be seen in the rhythm, movement, and colors of her paintings. Rent Party Jazz, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, was praised for its lively, colorful, and flowing style by School Library Journal. Riley-Webb and her husband live in Locust Grove, Georgia. To find out more about Charlotte Riley-Webb, visit her website: www.charlotterileywebb.com.

    Reviews

    • "Done in an impressionist style, Riley-Webb's rich acrylic artwork adds greatly to the text. The paintings seem to be moving to the tune of exuberant music, the actions and emotions of the characters are reflected through the use of brush strokes, color and perspective. . . This tale is suitable for independent reading or sharing aloud."

      - School Library Journal
    • "First time author Lindsey's down-home storytelling quality is charming and the handmade 'Sweet Potato Pie' quilt recalls Faith Ringgold's use of unique quilt illustrations in 'Dinner at Aunt Connie's House'. Riley-Webb's artwork uses broad, energetic strokes and its strong color palette sweep children into this tasty tale, and the included pie recipe makes the experience complete."

      - Booklist

    Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600602771
  • Publication Date Sep 01, 2003
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 10.5 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300618
  • Publication Date Sep 01, 2003
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8.5 × 0.25 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Cooking & Food
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Environment / Nature, Farming, Fiction, Food, Music, Neighbors, Overcoming Obstacles, Poverty, Realistic Fiction, Sharing & Giving
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.9
  • DRA 34
  • Lexile Code NC
  • Lexile Level 690
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • SRC 5.6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 96
      Early Fluent Dual Language
      Collection of 96 books: $983.60

      Rafi and Rosi Carnival!

      Two Puerto Rican tree frog siblings learn about science and social studies topics during their adventures on their island home in this chapter book series.

      El conejo mágico

      Lee este libro para que conozcas a este conejo mágico y sepas lo que pasa cuando se le piden muchos deseos a este conejo.

      See what happens when a magic rabbit is asked to grant too many wishes.

      The Three Wishes

      Read this story to find out what happens when a man makes wishes without thinking.

      A Spider's Body

      A spider's body has several parts. This book shows the parts of the body and how a spider uses them.

      Tiny Tony

      Tony is a tiny boy, but he can do many things even though he is very small.

      The Magic Rabbit

      See what happens when a magic rabbit is asked to grant too many wishes.

      Rafi y Rosi ¡Piratas!

      In this third chapter book starring Rafi and Rosi, the two tree frog siblings explore their island home of Puerto Rico and learn about its Spanish history, fortresses, and pirates.

      Los tres cerditos

      ¿Qué le pasó a estos cerditos que nunca obedecían a su mamá? Lee este cuento para que lo sepas.

      Read this story to find out what happened to three little pigs that never obeyed their mother.

      The Three Piglets

      Read this story to find out what happened to three little pigs that never obeyed their mother.

      Ghosts for Breakfast

      When the Troublesome Triplets complain that they have seen ghosts in Farmer Tanaka's field, Papa sets off with his son to hunt the ghosts in this fun story set in 1920s California.

      Raymond's Perfect Present

      When he tries to surprise his sick mother with flowers that he grew, a Chinese American boy receives a nice surprise of his own.

      Rafi y Rosi ¡Carnaval!

      Two Puerto Rican tree frog siblings learn about science and social studies topics during their adventures on their island home in this chapter book series.

      El pequeño Toñito

      Lee este libro para que veas algunas de las cosas que el pequeño Toñito puede hacer aunque sea muy chiquito.

      Tony is a tiny boy, but he can do many things even though he is very small.

      Rafi y Rosi

      In this chapter book series in Spanish, Rafi and his younger sister, Rosi, explore their surroundings and learn about the traditions, plants, animals, and environment of Puerto Rico.

      Rafi and Rosi

      Two Puerto Rican tree frog siblings learn about science and social studies topics during their adventures on their island home.

      Only One Year

      Three Chinese American children learn to trust and love one another again after the youngest child returns from a year living in China with extended family.

      ¿Hasta dónde me amas?

      A Spanish picture book about the love between parents and children.

      Un mundo nuevo

      In Spanish. Un mundo nuevo brings us a gentle and uplifting story of coming to America.

      Tortillas de barro

      See what kind of mischief two Latino sisters get into when they decide to make their own tortillas-out of mud!

      Singing with Momma Lou

      A young African American girl helps her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, regain some of her memories.

      Papel picado

      There's going to be a classroom fiesta and it's time to make decorations. See how two Latino children turn some plain colored napkins into a colorful cut paper banner.

      Mommy's Having a Watermelon

      The story of a girl who mistakes her mother’s pregnancy for a watermelon growing in her mother’s stomach, as a result of a swallowed seed.

      Joe Arco Iris y yo

      In Spanish. An endearing story of a young girl and her blind neighbor that celebrates friendship and the power of imagination.

      Gracias te damos

      In Spanish. A traditional Iroquois celebration of the beauty and spirit of Mother Earth, as told by a contemporary Mohawk chief.

      The Girl in a Red Cape

      A little girl was taking a basket of food to her grandparents. Read to find out what happened along the way.

      African Dance

      Join an African Dance troupe as they get ready for their show. See how they move and learn where the dances came from.

      Rafi y Rosi ¡Música!

      In this fourth chapter book starring Rafi and Rosi, the curious, fun-loving tree frog siblings explore the bomba, plena, and salsa music traditions of their home island, Puerto Rico.

      La niña del poncho rojo

      Una niña les lleva una canasta de comida a sus abuelitos. Lee para que veas lo que le pasó en el camino.

      A little girl was taking a basket of food to her grandparents. Read to find out what happened along the way.

      La sirenita Ari

      Cambiaron las cosas para la sirenita Ari cuando llegó la sirenita Casilda. Lee este libro para que veas lo que sucedió.

      Things changed for Ari the mermaid when Cassie the mermaid arrived. Read this story to find out what happened.

      El ciclo del agua

      ¿Sabes cómo funciona el ciclo del agua? Lee este libro y lo sabrás.

      Do you know how the water cycle works? Read this book and you will find out.

      ¿Quien vive aquí?

      Lee las pistas sobre estos cuentos famosos a ver si puedes adivinar ¿Quién vive aquí?

      Read the clues about famous stories. Then see if you can answer the question, Who lives here?

      Soy la tetera

      Lee este libro para aprender sobre diferentes tipos de tés hechos de hierbas y especias y como te pueden ayudar.

      Read this book to find out about different teas made from herbs and spices and how they might help you.

      El taller de piñatas

      ¿Sabes cómo se hacen las piñatas? Lee este libro y aprenderás.

      Do you know how piñatas are made? Read this book to find out.

      Fabio y el festival maya

      A Fabio le gustaría tener un poncho para el festival cultural maya. Lee este libro para que sepas lo que pasa.

      Fabio would like a poncho to wear at the Mayan cultural festival. Read this story to find out what happens.

      ¿Qué soy?

      Cada animal en el mundo pertenece a una clase de animales. Este libro te ayudará a aprender en qué se parecen los animales de cada clase.

      Each animal in the world belongs to an animal class. This book will help you learn how the animals in each class are alike.

      Lo que como yo

      Lee este libro para que veas lo que come un niño para mantenerse saludable.

      Read this book to find out what a boy eats so he will stay healthy.

      Grandfather's Story Cloth

      Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease, but then Chersheng's mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

      Fabio and the Mayan Festival

      Fabio would like a poncho to wear at the Mayan cultural festival. Read this story to find out what happens.

      The Water Cycle

      Do you know how the water cycle works? Read this book and you will find out.

      Who Lives Here?

      Read the clues about famous stories. Then see if you can answer the question, Who lives here?

      I Am a Teapot

      Read this book to find out about different teas made from herbs and spices and how they might help you.

      Ari the Mermaid

      Things changed for Ari the mermaid when Cassie the mermaid arrived. Read this story to find out what happened.

      The Piñata Workshop

      Do you know how piñatas are made? Read this book to find out.

      What Am I?

      Each animal in the world belongs to an animal class. This book will help you learn how the animals in each class are alike.

      What I Eat

      Read this book to find out what a boy eats so he will stay healthy.

      Rafi and Rosi Music!

      In this fourth chapter book starring Rafi and Rosi, the curious, fun-loving tree frog siblings explore the bomba, plena, and salsa music traditions of their home island, Puerto Rico.

      Los tres deseos

      ¿Qué harías tú si tuvieras tres deseos? Lee este cuento para ver lo que pasa cuando un hombre desea algo sin pensar.

      Read this story to find out what happens when a man makes wishes without thinking.

      El cuerpo de una araña

      Lee este libro para que aprendas sobre las partes del cuerpo de una araña y cómo las usa.

      A spider's body has several parts. This book shows the parts of the body and how a spider uses them.

      Grandfather Counts

      In this contemporary intergenerational story, a biracial girl and her Chinese grandfather overcome language differences and develop a special bond.

      The Secret to Freedom

      In the days before the Civil War, a young enslaved girl and her older brother help slaves escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad quilt code.

      Ten Oni Drummers - Bebop

      Ten friendly goblins beat their drums to keep nightmares away from a young Japanese boy as he sleeps.

      Sweet Potato Pie

      In this fictional story set in the South in the 1920s, an African American girl and her family sell Mama's sweet potato pies at the Harvest Celebration to raise money and save their farm.

      Saturday At the New You

      A girl spends the day at her mother's hair salon, a neighborhood gathering place.

      Rainbow Joe and Me

      A girl learns the power of imagination from her blind neighbor.

      Punched Paper

      There's going to be a classroom fiesta and it's time to make decorations. See how two Latino children turn some plain colored napkins into a colorful cut paper banner.

      My Steps - Bebop

      An African American girl shares the private world of playtime on her front steps over each of the four seasons.

      Mud Tortillas

      See what kind of mischief two Latino sisters get into when they decide to make their own tortillas-out of mud!

      Mama Elizabeti

      A girl in Africa learns how to help take care of her younger siblings, including a new baby sister.

      Leo and the Butterflies

      Meet a young boy named Leo who lives in Costa Rica. Learn all of the things Leo knows about the butterflies that live in the rainforest near his home.

      Grandma's Purple Flowers

      An African American girl who cherishes her frequent visits to her favorite Grandma finds a way to remember her grandmother with hope and joy after she passes away.

      Two Sweet Peas

      In a story told through poetry, two girls-one African American and one Latina, become friends and plan a way to honor special members of their families.

      Giving Thanks

      A traditional Iroquois celebration of the beauty and spirit of Mother Earth, as told by a contemporary Mohawk chief.

      Fishing Fun

      Two African American brothers go fishing with their father and discover it's not what you catch that its important, it's how much fun you have.

      Elizabeti's School

      In this contempory Tanzanian story, author Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and artist Christy Hale once again bring the sweet innocence of Elizabeti to life. Readers are sure to recognize this young child's emotions as she copes with her first day of school and discovers the wonder and joy of learning.

      Elizabeti's Doll - Bebop

      A young Tanzanian girl finds a special doll, and realizes how much she loves the doll when she almost loses her.

      Children of Long Ago

      A celebration of African American childhood in the early 1900s, as told through 17 poems that detail the daily pleasures of young children's lives.

      DeShawn Days

      In this uplifting story told in verse, a young boy living in the inner city projects tells about his hopes, fears, and dreams.

      Christmas Makes Me Think

      An African American boy considers the meaning of giving and sharing and comes to understand the true spirit of Christmas.

      Butterflies for Kiri

      A Japanese American girl grows creatively and, with perseverance, masters the art of making an origami butterfly. Includes instructions.

      Bibim Bap for Dinner

      Follow along step-by-step as a young boy and his mother make a Korean dish, Bibim bap, for the whole family to enjoy

      Bein' with You This Way

      An African American girl and her friends play together and learn that despite their physical differences, they are all really the same.

      Babu's Song

      The story of a young Tanzanian boy who learns a lesson about family love after selling the special music box his grandfather made for him.