Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

by Angela Shelf Medearis, Daniel Minter (Illustrator)

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001
2001 ALA Notable Book for Children
2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List
2003 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001
2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book
2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award

"A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift."― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa."― Publishers Weekly, starred review

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Africa, African American, Geography, Cultural

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to an audio version but was glad to have picked up a copy of the physical book as it provided an explanation of Kwanzaa and listed the seven principles. Without this introduction, and with my negligible knowledge of Kwanzaa, I couldn't tie the story to the holiday. If the narrator had read those introductory pages instead of the much abbreviated simplification, I would have gained more from the listen.

As the story begins, the seven brothers are quarrelsome and disagreeable and are not living in harmony. After their father's death, the brothers become thoughtful and considerate and they take on their father's challenge quickly and seriously. They demonstrate the principles of Kwanzaa through their resourcefulness and hard work.

The illustrations are vibrant and eye-catching and coincide appropriately with each page of text and are a very strong element of the story. An interesting folktale meant to model the principles of Kwanzaa without being overtly preachy.

[Catherine Sotir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Spools of Thread is a folktale that is about 7 brothers who fought and bickered from sunrise to sunset. They live with their father who passes away, but in his passing he is able to teach them a valuable lesson. He teaches them to work together, be nice to each other and to think about others, not just them selves. It is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations.
My favorite saying in the story is ... "Perhaps, said the oldest, we can teach them how to turn thread into gold. The chief smiled. You have learned your lesson very well."
These two sentences show how much the brothers changed in one day going from bickering and fighting to being cooperative, supportive, and caring.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This original folktale helps introduces children to the seven principles of Kwanzaa, but through a creative story instead of a didactic lesson. Seven Ghanaian brothers continuously bicker, arguing from sunrise to sunset. When their father passes away, he leaves a will that instructs them to spin seven spools of thread into gold in only one day—with no arguing. At first, the brothers are stunned and cannot think of how to accomplish this. But soon they start working together, combining their different colored spools of thread to create Kente cloth – the first multicolored cloth their village has seen – which they sell to the king for the required gold. The story weaves in the Kwanzaa principles, such as Umoja, or unity, and Ujamaa, or co-operative economics. The introduction explains the seven principles, but Medearis lets the story unfold on its own without explicitly connecting the dots. It makes for an interesting, enjoyable story to read and talk about as a family. Minter's linoleum block-print illustrations complement the story, showing rich details of African village life that children will enjoy looking at again and again.

[Jaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was wonderfully illustrated. The story teaches students a wonderful lesson tied into the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The author gives an excellent description of Kwanzaa's history and principles in the beginning and even gives a fun craft activity at the end. However, the principles will not be obvious to children through the story alone. Connections need to be made through the information at the beginning or through discussion. But, it's an excellent book to discuss with children.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too simple and predictable, so a weak four stars. But it does explain Kwanzaa and does have an important lesson for all of us. I like the art, too, though I usually don't like woodblock style. And I like the easy craft at the end. If I could think of a use for a belt-shaped textile, and I had scraps of yarn, I would make it.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the look of this book, and it really had a great folk tale feel. Plus, my kids were fighting while I was reading it to them, so I void point at them and tell them DO YOU SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE BROTHERS IN THE STORY WHO ALWAYS FIGHT?!! So that was handy. :)

[Rebecca Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Log #3
Title: Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
Author: Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Genre: Non-European folktales
Theme(s): Family, community, bond, season
Opening line/sentence: In a small African village in the country of Ghana there lived an old man and his seven sons.
Brief Book Summary: Seven brothers hold grudges against each other and constantly fights with one another, bringing hostility within the family and the community. The old father leaves an unusual death will to his seven sons to make gold out of seven spools of thread by sundown. If they fail to do so, they will turn out to be beggars. Adapted from the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
• Name of Reviewer: Not mentioned
• Name of Source: Booklist
• Link to source: https://browse.nypl.org/iii/encore/re...
• Short blurb from the review:
• Ages 5^-8. In The Seven Days of Kwanzaa: How to Celebrate Them (1994), the author offered ideas, including crafts and recipes, for celebrating the cultural holiday. This latest title is an original folktale that will help introduce children to the holiday's seven principles, while also suggesting how Kente cloth was first created. In a Ghanian village, a father's will commands that his seven argumentative sons must make gold from silk thread "by the time the moon rises," without fighting. Working together, the brothers create a tapestry of Kente cloth, the first multicolored cloth the village has seen, which they sell to the king's treasurer for gold, before returning to their village to farm and live harmoniously. Well-paced, the story incorporates the Kwanzaa values without spelling them out too much. Minter's attractively composed, dramatic painted linocuts, with strong community images and lively, silhouetted figures, root the story in a sun-drenched, magical landscape that will draw children even after repeated readings. An introductory section, with glossary and pronunciation guide explaining the principles, and an appended craft activity round out the volume. --Gillian Engberg Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
• Name of Reviewer: Not mentioned
• Name of Source: Horn Book Guide
• Link to source: https://browse.nypl.org/iii/encore/re...
• Short blurb from the review:
• This story is based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Seven quarrelsome brothers from a small Ghanaian village are a source of disappointment to their father. When he dies, he leaves his sons a challenge to earn his inheritance. They must work together to make gold out of silk thread; if they argue and fail, they receive nothing. Vibrant linoleum block prints accompany the rhythmic text, which concludes with instructions on weaving Kente-style cloth. Copyright 2001 Horn Book Guide Reviews (PUBLISHER: Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2005.) (PUBLISHER: Little Brown, PUBLISHED: 1995.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Although I haven’t read the seven principles of Kwanzaa, I think this book stresses valuable principles. The seven principles of Kwanzaa were not explicit, but implicitly embedded into the story.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: Characters and plot are some elements I want to point out in this book. The character development in this story was meaningful in that the sons overcame their hostilities for the good of their family and their community at large. The plot contained morals that are worth noting for children such as looking after one another, living in harmony and valuing teamwork.
Consideration of Instructional Application: A mini-lesson that can go with this book is looking into principles and morals from other cultures. This way, I can promote multiculturalism in my classroom and allow my students to explore other cultures through books. Discussions on the similarities and differences of values across cultures would be great as an activity.
 

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sophisticated folktale seems to be intended for more experienced readers who can extract the seven principles of Kwanzaa well hidden in this story about seven quarreling sons who must make gold from seven spools of thread. Then there are the inconsistencies. How, for instance, do the sons demonstrate “umoja” when their quarreling hastens the death of their father and causes the near collapse of the family? Are their entrepreneurial endeavors driven more by “ujamaa” or their own personal profit? Do any of the characters truly embody “imani”? Gorgeous woodcut prints are a sight to behold.

[Maggie Rappleyea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for 1st grade and up.

This book tells a tale of 7 brothers from Africa who were always arguing. Their father died and left them 7 spools of thread made of different colors, and in his will he said that if they could make gold from the thread they could split his inheritance evenly. The brothers worked together to make a multicolored, beautiful cloth, and sold it for gold.

This is a great story that includes all the principles of Kwanzaa. It's a nice tale to introduce students to a different culture and holiday, as well as include students of African descent in a society that usually puts Christmas in the forefront.

I would have students collaborate peacefully to create a colorful work of art in which each student has equal opportunity to participate. I would also go over the principles of Kwanzaa, have each student pick one, and create a story around it.

This story has won several awards:
OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO PLATINUM AWARD 2001
NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR 2001
2001 ALA NOTABLE BOOK FOR CHILDREN
2002-2003 SHOW ME READERS AWARD MASTER LIST
2003 LOUISIANA YOUNG READERS’ CHOICE AWARD MASTER LIST
NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN ANYMORE! 2001
2001 NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY HONOR BOOK
2003 WINNER, STORYTELLING WORLD AWARD

[Makenzie Soeken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kwanza is an African Holiday that celebrates ancient African harvest celebrations and traditions. Kwanza doesn't celebrate a person or thing, but rather the African way of life and how each person can better themselves based on the Nguzo, or seven principles. The Nguzo Saba are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. This story was based upon 7 brothers who struggled to get along. After their father passes away, he leaves his fortune to them based on the condition that they will spin 7 spools of thread into gold, and work together to do this without arguing. If they are unable to do so, their shares of his inheritance will be given to the poorest people in their village. The boys work together to create a beautiful cloth, fit for the King! They earn back their inheritance, but still wish to help the poor people in their village, so they teach them how to spin the multicolored cloth. The story is based on all seven principles, representing the purpose of Kwanza.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This African tale weaves the principles of Kwanzaa into the fabric of a story about seven feuding brothers. It is a fictional account of the creation of Kente, the colorful cloth from Ghana. This is a book for children 8 years and older.

It could be used to teach students how to make inferences and how to identify symbols. Kwanzaa principles are never stated but are shown through the characters actions. Symbols are interspersed in the bold artwork and writing.

I would definitely use this book for read aloud time. As a bonus, there is a fun craft at the end that would be great for kinesthetic learning.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story is a children's picture book written by Angela Shelf Medearis and illustrated by Daniel Minter. It is a book about seven brothers who are constantly fighting and manages to learn to get along after a seemingly impossible task.

Medearis' text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is a wonderful fable-like tale about seven brothers who constantly argues and how the seven principles of Kwanzaa are weaved into the narrative – one for each brother. Minter's illustrations are done rather well and are reminiscent of the African art style. It complements and depicts the narrative rather well.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are outlined rather well in this story of seven brothers who are constantly fighting until their father dies and they are given a seemingly impossible task to complete together.

All in all, Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story is a wonderful nod to unity, faith, collective work and responsibility, and the rest of the seven Kwanzaa principles.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
- African Proverb

Informative and interesting.

Favorite Passages:
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 until January 1. It is not a religious holiday or one that honors a heroic person. Instead, it is a time when people of African descent join together to honor the heritage and traditions of their ancestors. During the Kwanzaa celebration, everyone pledges to work together to improve themselves and to make their community a better place to live. Kwanzaa is a celebration of the past, the present, and the future of people of African descent.
______

KUJICHAGULIA (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)
SELF-DETERMINATION: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.
______

KUUMBA (koo-OOM-bah)
CREATIVITY: To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Shelf Medearis says, “I write the kinds of books I always longed to find in the library when I was a child.” Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story tells the story of seven brothers who fight constantly, making everyone else and themselves miserable.
After their father’s death, the brothers discover an unusual demand in their father’s will. By sundown, they must make gold out of seven spools of colored thread. They must succeed or they will become beggars, completely left out of their father’s will.
Medearis shows readers that by working together, families can overcome what appear to be insurmountable odds. Daniel Minter, illustrator, adds to the story with beautiful linoleum block prints. I know firsthand about such beautiful linoleum prints because my uncle was an artist who also used that medium.
Although Seven Spools of Thread is a Kwanzaa story, it is one for all children and adults because it is an inspiring story.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kwanzaa was start in the 1960s by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate traditions from Africa and remember roots. There are 7 ideas important to Kwanzaa to live for that day and all the days of the year: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Co-operative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. The story told is teaching about those things.

A father dies and his squabbling 7 sons must learn to work together if they want their inheritance. They are given 7 spools of thread and they must turn it into gold to get their inheritance. The story is about that.

The artwork in the book is outstanding. I love it. Beautiful. It's a nice folktale.

[La La · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for Kwanzaa, the parable includes the "seven principles” of Kwanzaa skillfully woven into a wonderful story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. The story is accompanied by marvelous linoleum block print illustrations.

I feel this book can be read at anytime during the year because the story doesn't mention Kwanzaa specifically.

I wish I could give this book six stars!

This will be a book I buy for our public Little Free Libraries.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are vibrant; I am amazed by the work lino cutters create, so much exquisite detail.
The prologue to the story explaining each day of Kwanzaa was useful; I didn't know there were different coloured candles for the days of celebration.
The story itself is very fable-like; it would make an excellent read-aloud for young children at Kwanzaa or any time of the year.
The how-to on making a simple cloth is a lovely way to end.

[Stevie Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't have a clue what Kwanzaa was about before reading this story. This is a great book to teach a lesson, and a holiday to children. Many kids don't know about diverse holidays. Christmas is the typical go to. I enjoyed learning the history behind Kwanzaa and the meaning of it. This book would help teachers to understand more about students in their classroom, and help broaden holiday projects past making Christmas trees.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How have I had this book in my classroom for over a decade and just now realized how amazing this story is?! I think I was intimated by the Kwanzaa background authors note in the front and the additional weaving expository piece in the back. In the middle is such a great story and the illustrations are beautiful! Now I want to book a trip to Ghana and see all these beautiful colors and cloths in person.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes the seven principals of Kwanzaa and puts it into a tale of seven feuding brothers who must work together to accomplish a task their late father gave them.

I thought this was a beautiful and creative story. The book first starts with an explanation of the holiday, and the follows with the tale of the seven brothers. I really liked how it incorporated three principals of Kwanzaa into the story.

[Elyssa DeAngulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Spools of Thread is the story of Kwanzaa told through seven brothers and the puzzle they must solve after their father's death. The story provides students with both windows and mirrors into a cultural celebration. The story emphasizes that you need to work together, fighting gets you no where, and giving is what makes the world work.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't know anything about Kwanzaa until we read this book. I LOVED it!! I would be able to read this book in my class to learn more about different cultures and holidays that are celebrated. I think this is a good book for teachers to read as well to learn more about students in their classroom.

[Erica Pakluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written and it teaches about the seven principals of Kwanzaa through the seven brothers. I found myself completely engrossed in this book and I loved getting to learn more about the celebration of Kwanzaa.

[Alyssa Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A father passes away and has a lot of wealth. His 7 seven sons were fighting over who would get the inheritance. They had to solve a riddle and get along in order to receive the inheritance. The sons completed the task, but the ending is different than I expected.

[Chelsie Mahaffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message of this book was great. I learned more about Kwanzaa than I knew. I like the message of being grateful. The message of working together is great for children to hear and I think they would learn from this book.

[Erika Schissler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives the story of how Kwanzaa came to be. It gives children a look at a different culture's celebration and teaches them that you can accomplish more by working together than by working alone.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a traditional book about a father who passes away but leaves a legacy for his seven sons- to spin seven spools of thread of different colors into gold. They must not fight either. This is about the power of cooperation.

[Emily Ramos-Niaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. It talks about how Kwanza Started. I did not know much about this cultural holiday until I read this story. It is a wonderful book about working together and helping the community. It would be a great way to introduce children to cultural diversity.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cultural book with a good message. The book covers the main ideas of Kwanzaa and is an origin story of sorts. The book is illustrated well, with lots of great color. It's a great story, if nothing else, for kids about getting along with others and helping others.