By Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales
Illustrated by Aphelandra
Published by Albert Whitman: April, 2021
Review
T was interested to know that Shaped by Her Hands is a true story – he now wants to visit the Museum of New Mexico and see Martinez's work. Biographies are usually of interest to him, and this one seemed particularly so based on his comments as we read (already a few pages in: "This seems really interesting!"). I'm sure it doesn't hurt that he has expressed an interest in sculpting with clay lately.
Maria Martinez is an interesting individual to learn about. As a child, she played with clay until her aunt taught her to sculpt pottery properly. Her talent earned her renown as an adult, but what really launched her fame was when an archeologist asked her help in recreating a pot from an ancient shard. She experimented and reinvented black pottery, which her family continues to create to this day.
Freeman and Gonzales do an excellent job telling Martinez's story, which comes as no surprise since Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of Martinez. Together, they invite a young audience to accompany Maria on her journey as a potter, highlighting the exciting parts. Told in narrative form, Shaped by Her Hands is an appealing story in its own right and fully engaging for my young reader. T needed help inferring the meaning of a few Tewa words, but otherwise was wrapped up in the tale. Maria is very relatable, not to mention inspiring. I wouldn't be surprised if many young readers come away wanting to give pottery a try.
Shaped by Her Hands is undoubtedly a worthy addition to one's biography, women's history, or Indigenous history collection. We'll certainly be repeat-reading this one!
Afterthought:I've been thinking about the books we read in a gift-giving context. I think it would be fun to pair this with clay.
Back matter includes further biographical information and a brief introduction to the Tewa People and San Ildefonso Pueblo. Notes from the authors include each's relationship to Maria Martinez.
Note: A review copy was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are my own (or T's).
Review
T was interested to know that Shaped by Her Hands is a true story – he now wants to visit the Museum of New Mexico and see Martinez's work. Biographies are usually of interest to him, and this one seemed particularly so based on his comments as we read (already a few pages in: "This seems really interesting!"). I'm sure it doesn't hurt that he has expressed an interest in sculpting with clay lately.
Maria Martinez is an interesting individual to learn about. As a child, she played with clay until her aunt taught her to sculpt pottery properly. Her talent earned her renown as an adult, but what really launched her fame was when an archeologist asked her help in recreating a pot from an ancient shard. She experimented and reinvented black pottery, which her family continues to create to this day.
Freeman and Gonzales do an excellent job telling Martinez's story, which comes as no surprise since Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of Martinez. Together, they invite a young audience to accompany Maria on her journey as a potter, highlighting the exciting parts. Told in narrative form, Shaped by Her Hands is an appealing story in its own right and fully engaging for my young reader. T needed help inferring the meaning of a few Tewa words, but otherwise was wrapped up in the tale. Maria is very relatable, not to mention inspiring. I wouldn't be surprised if many young readers come away wanting to give pottery a try.
Shaped by Her Hands is undoubtedly a worthy addition to one's biography, women's history, or Indigenous history collection. We'll certainly be repeat-reading this one!
Afterthought:I've been thinking about the books we read in a gift-giving context. I think it would be fun to pair this with clay.
Back matter includes further biographical information and a brief introduction to the Tewa People and San Ildefonso Pueblo. Notes from the authors include each's relationship to Maria Martinez.
Note: A review copy was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are my own (or T's).
Definitely need to add this one to the To Be Read list! Thanks!
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