A String of Beads

by Margarette S. Reid, Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

Young readers will enjoy bold, dramatic illustrations and the simple math concepts at work in the charming story that captures the pleasure that a little girl and her grandmother get out of their bead collection.

Genres: Cultural, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This multicultural book offers a great message that people are all different shapes and sizes, yet we are still all united by a common thread (pun intended). It talks about all of the different kinds of beads and how they are made, as well as describing a bit of the history of beads and what different races used them for. In the end, all of the beads are connected on one string into a necklace to show that we all have our differences but can be beautiful together.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book covers how beading is a multi-generational and multi-cultural practice. Great quotes: "Animal? Vegetable? Mineral? Grandma and I play that game when we sort beads?" and
"Since early times, people have touched beads as they said their prayers," she says. "Beads have always made people feel safe and important and beautiful." Perfect to share with our beading workshops at the library.

[Patrice]

BookTree
Sabine liked but hard for E

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful multicultural book about art, culture and relationships showing beading as a way to bond.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I marked this as non-fiction because it shares a lot of great information, but it is a fictional story. The author shares where ancient beads have been found, kinds of beads, how to make them and wear them. There is also further historical information in the backwater. It begins with a grandmother and granddaughter sorting beads, sitting at a table with numerous kinds laid out. There's a page where the young girl talks about how she likes to sort them, a page telling about different special beads created by Native Americans, and a lovely page filled with a variety of people who use and/or wear beads for many purposes. If you are interested in beads, or want to made beads with children or students, this would make a wonderful introduction.

[Emily Conradi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple story about a little girl who loves beading with her grandmother give great insight into the history of beads and their various uses.

This is a brilliant book to use with any elementary grade. When we think about bringing artifacts to life, this book is just the beginning. When we see beads we do not think too far beyond their beauty. But once we start to analyze them they tell us about the people who made them, the daily lifestyle, and the traditions that took place.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have to buy this book. I liked how much science and math content was woven into a story about a girl who likes to bead necklaces with her grandmother.