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Review: A Language of Stitches

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A Language of Stitches
By Constance Moore
New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. Biography.

This fabulous biography introduces readers to Effie Mae Martin, a young child with 14 brothers and sisters, whose family are sharecroppers. Like many sharecroppers, her family was quite poor while laboring in intense conditions. Her family was one filled with love, and they sought opportunities amidst hardship to deepen their faith.

As Effie grew older, she made a tough decision to leave her family and go to areas in the country she would have more freedom. The distance from her family was always in the back of her mind. One of the ways she was able to stay connected to her family was through her love of color, fabrics, and sewing. Effie truly believed that through her artwork, she could spread love to others, and use her abilities to help support her family. 

This moving biography tells a lovely story of one woman's determination, persistence, and ability to find joy. Her quilts were a lifeline to her community and her family, and I found her story incredibly moving. I appreciated her connection with faith, her extraordinary art, and the story that women can courageously shape the spaces they are in.


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