Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom

An awe-inspiring African American woman! A talented seamstress, born a slave, bought freedom for herself and her son.

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was born in 1818, enslaved to a Virginian plantation owner. As a teenager, Lizzy was sent to work as the only slave on a small plantation, where the work was endless, and the masters treated her with unspeakable cruelty. A new master, learning Lizzy could sew, sent her to work for a tailor, who paid the master, not Lizzy, for Lizzy's work.

The beautiful gowns that Lizzy created were displayed in the tailor's window and soon attracted the attention of the wealthiest women in Virginia. Among them was Mrs. Jefferson Davis who also introduced Lizzy to Mary Todd Lincoln. Though Lizzy first had to borrow money from her wealthy patrons to buy her freedom, once she was free, she was able to earn money of her own and pay them all back.

Connie Morrison writes with straightforward honesty and clarity. This inspiring story about an unsung hero is beautifully illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon with mixed media including oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué.

A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 11/09/2021
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.08h x 9.84w x 0.55d
ISBN: 9780823439638
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 09/01/2021 pg. 114
Publishers Weekly 09/06/2021
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2021 pg. 140
Booklist 11/01/2021 pg. 54
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2021

About the Author
Connie Schofield-Morrison is a mother, author, and entrepreneur. She and her high school sweetheart Frank D. Morrison run an art gallery called Morrison Graphics in Atlanta, GA that Connie manages while also taking care of her children and writing books in her spare time. Stitch by Stitch is her first book with Holiday House.

Elizabeth Zunon is an illustrator of over ten picture books, including Stitch by Stitch, which is her first book with Holiday House. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a B.F. A. in Illustration. Drawing and painting have always been important to Elizabeth, whose love for the craft was fueled by the bright, vibrant colors of everyday West African fabrics and tropical vegetation.