Reviews

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Daniel Minter, Angela Shelf Medearis

bestoffates's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this story and love the artwork, but am always saddened by books for children that are in a world with not a single woman.

shelltrice's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this story and love the artwork, but am always saddened by books for children that are in a world with not a single woman.

eferk's review against another edition

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

ofloveandlayovers's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bookpotato's review against another edition

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informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

danileah07's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookhero6's review against another edition

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4.0

I find children's books to be great at introducing cultural traditions that differ from that with which I am familiar. Also a great story about family and what wonders can be accomplished when we stop fighting and start working together.

kelliereadsabit's review against another edition

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4.0

It is clear that Medearis has a strong understanding of Kwanzaa and its history, and this story weaves (haha, get it) the traditions into the story flawlessly. The brothers, even without names or defining features, feel like strong relatable characters, and the seven values of Kwanzaa are greatly hidden in the story. I would love to read this to a classroom and have them describe where they see those values appear. This would be a great book to read before winter break. Even though Kwanzaa is traditionally an African holiday, I think many aspects translate well into everyday life, and can be taken as inspiration for families to build their own Kwanza-like traditions of thankfulness and introspection during the break.

The artwork is stunning, and seems to stay true to traditional African artwork, though I might be mistaken. The introduction of the multicolored fabric is clever because that fabric is very cultural and most people would recognize it for what it is. I also loved the craft idea in the back of the book.

ambientmagic's review against another edition

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4.0

Very sweet story about seven brothers who learn to work together. Originally written for Kwanzaa, each of the seven colors (and spools of thread) corresponds to the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles, discussed during the seven days of Kwanzaa.

engpunk77's review against another edition

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4.0

Lovely folk tale explaining Kwaanza.