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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, Lizzie 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 Lizzie could sew, sent her to work for a tailor, who paid the master, not Lizzie, for Lizzie's work.
The beautiful gowns that Lizzie 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 Lizzie 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 with digital collage by Elizabeth Zunon.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was born in 1818, enslaved to a Virginian plantation owner. As a teenager, Lizzie 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 Lizzie could sew, sent her to work for a tailor, who paid the master, not Lizzie, for Lizzie's work.
The beautiful gowns that Lizzie 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 Lizzie 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 with digital collage by Elizabeth Zunon.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
48 pages, Hardcover
Published November 9, 2021
93 people want to read
About the author
Connie Schofield-Morrison
8 books17 followersConnie Schofield-Morrison is a mother, author, and entrepreneur. She spent most of her childhood reading and writing poetry, songs, and fairy tales.
At the age of 19, Connie married her high school sweetheart Frank D. Morrison, a professional dancer. In 1999 Frank & Connie started their online art gallery, Morrison Graphics, which opened as a physical gallery in 2005 in the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta, GA. Frank painted and illustrated, while Connie continued to take care of the business, their home, and their children, while writing children’s books in her spare time.
Her debut Bloomsbury Press title, I Got The Rhythm, is her first collaboration with husband and illustrator, Frank Morrison. The book is a rhythmic, soulful affirmation that a dream can become a reality, a belief that Connie has seen play out in her own life.
At the age of 19, Connie married her high school sweetheart Frank D. Morrison, a professional dancer. In 1999 Frank & Connie started their online art gallery, Morrison Graphics, which opened as a physical gallery in 2005 in the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta, GA. Frank painted and illustrated, while Connie continued to take care of the business, their home, and their children, while writing children’s books in her spare time.
Her debut Bloomsbury Press title, I Got The Rhythm, is her first collaboration with husband and illustrator, Frank Morrison. The book is a rhythmic, soulful affirmation that a dream can become a reality, a belief that Connie has seen play out in her own life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 5, 2022
My life has been an eventful one. I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents--therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action.~from the autobiography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly
Elizabeth was born into a household where her mother was the seamstress in 1818. Stitch by stitch she learned not only how to sew, but also how to read and write. She became a seamstress like her mother and eventually became so well-known for her talents that Mary Todd Lincoln hired Elizabeth to sew the dress needed for Abraham Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration. This picture book is not only filled with quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, but also gorgeous fabric swatches, embroidery and trim. It is a beautiful book with an important story.
Elizabeth was born into a household where her mother was the seamstress in 1818. Stitch by stitch she learned not only how to sew, but also how to read and write. She became a seamstress like her mother and eventually became so well-known for her talents that Mary Todd Lincoln hired Elizabeth to sew the dress needed for Abraham Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration. This picture book is not only filled with quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, but also gorgeous fabric swatches, embroidery and trim. It is a beautiful book with an important story.
January 11, 2022
Fascinating story with artwork by Elizabeth Zunon that builds with this biography, as though stitch by stitch, with layers and textures until the final piece, a portrait of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, that's breathtaking.
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February 11, 2022My life has been an eventful one. I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents--therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action.~from the autobiography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly
Elizabeth was born into a household where her mother was the seamstress in 1818. Stitch by stitch she learned not only how to sew, but also how to read and write. She became a seamstress like her mother and eventually became so well-known for her talents that Mary Todd Lincoln hired Elizabeth to sew the dress needed for Abraham Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration. This picture book is not only filled with quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, but also gorgeous fabric swatches, embroidery and trim. It is a beautiful book with an important story.
Elizabeth was born into a household where her mother was the seamstress in 1818. Stitch by stitch she learned not only how to sew, but also how to read and write. She became a seamstress like her mother and eventually became so well-known for her talents that Mary Todd Lincoln hired Elizabeth to sew the dress needed for Abraham Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration. This picture book is not only filled with quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, but also gorgeous fabric swatches, embroidery and trim. It is a beautiful book with an important story.
January 28, 2022
A wonderful introduction to the fascinating and inspiring life of the seamstress who freed herself from enslavement and eventually became the dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln. Elizabeth Zunon’s stunning mixed-media illustrations incorporate oil, paint, fabric, ribbon, paper, embroidery, and appliqué.
December 6, 2022
Connie Schofield-Morrison shares the biography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, who was a seamstress to Mary Todd Lincoln. However, she was born a slave and used her intelligence, determination, and skills to better her situation. She moved from VA to St. Louis where there was a large community of freed African Americans. Her first goal was to purchase her freedom at the cost of $1,200 dollars. She did have patrons, but she paid the entire sum back to them.
After purchasing her freedom, she and her son moved to DC where she eventually was introduced to Mrs. Lincoln as a seamstress. Lizzy made beautiful dresses and gained more and more acclaim for her skills. Lizzy maintained her relationship with Mary after Mr. Lincoln's death and Mary's poverty and mental health challenges--showing that she was a compassionate person.
The back matter explains that Lizzy went on to receive an appointment at a university where she taught sewing skills.
The back matter includes a life sketch, author's note, timeline, bibliography including online sources and places to visit.
I was DELIGHTED to learn about Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hobbs Keckly. She deserves broader recognition for her place in history. I can see independent readers ages 7 to 11 enjoying this book. I would paraphrase it for younger readers, and I would even encourage older readers to learn about Keckly--here or in one of the books listed in the bibliography.
After purchasing her freedom, she and her son moved to DC where she eventually was introduced to Mrs. Lincoln as a seamstress. Lizzy made beautiful dresses and gained more and more acclaim for her skills. Lizzy maintained her relationship with Mary after Mr. Lincoln's death and Mary's poverty and mental health challenges--showing that she was a compassionate person.
The back matter explains that Lizzy went on to receive an appointment at a university where she taught sewing skills.
The back matter includes a life sketch, author's note, timeline, bibliography including online sources and places to visit.
I was DELIGHTED to learn about Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hobbs Keckly. She deserves broader recognition for her place in history. I can see independent readers ages 7 to 11 enjoying this book. I would paraphrase it for younger readers, and I would even encourage older readers to learn about Keckly--here or in one of the books listed in the bibliography.
February 20, 2022
Text-to-teach connection: Stitch By Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom.
I found this book inspiring and an excellent lesson for young children everywhere, and it does not matter where you came from; it is where you are going that matters. Therefore, it is vital to read this book to K4 and K5 students. However, this book may seem more for older kids ages seven to ten years old. I love that Lizzy did not let her life obstacles to kept her where she was. At 14, she was told she would never be worth her salt. Nevertheless, she kept on pushing and stitch by stitch.
Black excellence at its best. Lizzy's beautiful work caught the eyes of many ones, particularly the wife of Abraham Lincoln wife when he became the 16th president of the United States. Mrs. Lincoln was eager for Lizzy to make her dress for the Inaugural Ball. This story teaches children about black history and never gives hope as I am a woman of African ancestors. It gave me great pleasure to learn about Elizabeth Hobbs and how her story reminds me of the stories I used to hear about the hardship that women of African descent had to endure in the Americas. And this is a little-known fact of black History Month and one of the black women that paved the way for African Americans and Black people around the globe to keep thriving.
I found this book inspiring and an excellent lesson for young children everywhere, and it does not matter where you came from; it is where you are going that matters. Therefore, it is vital to read this book to K4 and K5 students. However, this book may seem more for older kids ages seven to ten years old. I love that Lizzy did not let her life obstacles to kept her where she was. At 14, she was told she would never be worth her salt. Nevertheless, she kept on pushing and stitch by stitch.
Black excellence at its best. Lizzy's beautiful work caught the eyes of many ones, particularly the wife of Abraham Lincoln wife when he became the 16th president of the United States. Mrs. Lincoln was eager for Lizzy to make her dress for the Inaugural Ball. This story teaches children about black history and never gives hope as I am a woman of African ancestors. It gave me great pleasure to learn about Elizabeth Hobbs and how her story reminds me of the stories I used to hear about the hardship that women of African descent had to endure in the Americas. And this is a little-known fact of black History Month and one of the black women that paved the way for African Americans and Black people around the globe to keep thriving.
December 1, 2022
Biography of Elizabeth Hobbs, a slave, born of slaves, that sewed her own and her son's way to freedom. The artwork is fascinating and this biography is awe inspiring.
February 2, 2025
Phenomenal illustrations. Learned some things about Keckly’s son I did not know.
September 15, 2022
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, called Lizzy, was born into slavery in Virginia in February 1818. In spite of her initial status, she went on to achieve renown as a seamstress and dressmaker to Varina Davis (wife of Jefferson Davis), Mary Custis Lee (wife of Robert E. Lee), and Mary Lincoln, inter alia. She also wrote a memoir about her life and the famous women she had known.
Lizzy was put to work at the age of four by her owners, Robert and Anna Burwell, and was beaten brutally when she could not perform tasks to their satisfaction.
At fourteen, Lizzy was sent to live in North Carolina as a loan to Burwell's eldest son. As Lizzy's memoir (but not this book for children) recounted, her presence caused rancor with young Mrs. Burwell, who encouraged Mr. Bingham, the village schoolmaster, to abuse Keckley physically in order to subdue her "proud, rebellious spirit." During this period, she was raped by a white man, and gave birth to a son, George.
Eventually she was sent to St. Louis to live with Robert’s sister and her husband, the Garlands. Mr. Garland could not support his family, so Lizzy became a dressmaker and supported Garland's entire household for over two years.
She married James Keckly around 1852, discovering only afterward that he was not a free man. Prior to her marriage, Lizzy had negotiated with the Garlands to purchase her freedom and that of her son, but she could not raise the required $1,200, because of the strain of supporting both her "dissipated" husband and the Garland household, per her autobiography. Sympathetic dressmaking customers loaned Keckley the money and she was able to make the two purchases in 1855.
In 1860, she left her husband, took her son, and moved to Washington, D.C., where she set up a dressmaking shop. She became very popular among the political wives, and her work was in great demand. Her labor-intensive creations were hand-made of course, “stitch by stitch.” The author explains that Lizzy also created opportunities for other African American women, employing almost twenty Black seamstresses in her shop by 1865.
She and Mary Lincoln became confidants, but after Lizzy published her memoir in 1868, Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House, Mary Lincoln felt Lizzy had violated her trust, and broke off all contact with her. Historian Lina Mann, writing for The White House Historical Association observed:
“By writing down the story of her enslavement, her intimate conversations with Washington’s elite women, and her relationship with Mary Lincoln, Keckly violated social norms of privacy, race, class, and gender. Although other formerly enslaved people like Frederick Douglass wrote generally well received memoirs during the same time period, Keckly’s was more divisive. Her choice to publish correspondence between herself and Mary Lincoln was seen as an infringement on the former first lady’s privacy.”
Nevertheless, Mann added, “her recollections have been used by many historians to reconstruct the Lincoln White House and better understand one of the nation’s most fascinating and misunderstood first ladies. Her story is integral to White House history and understanding the experiences of enslaved and free Black women.”
In 1892, at age 74, Lizzy was offered a position as the head of Sewing and Domestic Science Arts at Wilberforce Univeristy in Ohio. In the late 1890s she returned to Washington, D.C. to live in the National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children. It was, the author explains, an institution Lizzy herself helped create. Lizzy died in 1907.
Back matter includes an Author’s Note, timeline, and further resources.
Clever mixed-media illustrations Elizabeth Zunon incorporate fabric, ribbons, and trimmings like embroidery, and appliqué into the artwork.
Evaluation: This book for readers 7 and older raises a number of interesting issues for further exploration. It not only offers interesting insights into slavery, but also into life among the political wives in Washington prior to the Civil War. In addition, the fact that a Black woman and ex-slave could open and sustain a thriving business in the post-Civil War capitol is fascinating as well. (According to an article in Smithsonian Magazine, what Keckly was most known for amongst women in Washington who wanted a dress from her was "her fit and her adeptness when it came to draping fabric on the body. She was known to be the dressmaker in D.C. because her garments had extraordinary fit.”
Lizzy was put to work at the age of four by her owners, Robert and Anna Burwell, and was beaten brutally when she could not perform tasks to their satisfaction.
At fourteen, Lizzy was sent to live in North Carolina as a loan to Burwell's eldest son. As Lizzy's memoir (but not this book for children) recounted, her presence caused rancor with young Mrs. Burwell, who encouraged Mr. Bingham, the village schoolmaster, to abuse Keckley physically in order to subdue her "proud, rebellious spirit." During this period, she was raped by a white man, and gave birth to a son, George.
Eventually she was sent to St. Louis to live with Robert’s sister and her husband, the Garlands. Mr. Garland could not support his family, so Lizzy became a dressmaker and supported Garland's entire household for over two years.
She married James Keckly around 1852, discovering only afterward that he was not a free man. Prior to her marriage, Lizzy had negotiated with the Garlands to purchase her freedom and that of her son, but she could not raise the required $1,200, because of the strain of supporting both her "dissipated" husband and the Garland household, per her autobiography. Sympathetic dressmaking customers loaned Keckley the money and she was able to make the two purchases in 1855.
In 1860, she left her husband, took her son, and moved to Washington, D.C., where she set up a dressmaking shop. She became very popular among the political wives, and her work was in great demand. Her labor-intensive creations were hand-made of course, “stitch by stitch.” The author explains that Lizzy also created opportunities for other African American women, employing almost twenty Black seamstresses in her shop by 1865.
She and Mary Lincoln became confidants, but after Lizzy published her memoir in 1868, Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House, Mary Lincoln felt Lizzy had violated her trust, and broke off all contact with her. Historian Lina Mann, writing for The White House Historical Association observed:
“By writing down the story of her enslavement, her intimate conversations with Washington’s elite women, and her relationship with Mary Lincoln, Keckly violated social norms of privacy, race, class, and gender. Although other formerly enslaved people like Frederick Douglass wrote generally well received memoirs during the same time period, Keckly’s was more divisive. Her choice to publish correspondence between herself and Mary Lincoln was seen as an infringement on the former first lady’s privacy.”
Nevertheless, Mann added, “her recollections have been used by many historians to reconstruct the Lincoln White House and better understand one of the nation’s most fascinating and misunderstood first ladies. Her story is integral to White House history and understanding the experiences of enslaved and free Black women.”
In 1892, at age 74, Lizzy was offered a position as the head of Sewing and Domestic Science Arts at Wilberforce Univeristy in Ohio. In the late 1890s she returned to Washington, D.C. to live in the National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children. It was, the author explains, an institution Lizzy herself helped create. Lizzy died in 1907.
Back matter includes an Author’s Note, timeline, and further resources.
Clever mixed-media illustrations Elizabeth Zunon incorporate fabric, ribbons, and trimmings like embroidery, and appliqué into the artwork.
Evaluation: This book for readers 7 and older raises a number of interesting issues for further exploration. It not only offers interesting insights into slavery, but also into life among the political wives in Washington prior to the Civil War. In addition, the fact that a Black woman and ex-slave could open and sustain a thriving business in the post-Civil War capitol is fascinating as well. (According to an article in Smithsonian Magazine, what Keckly was most known for amongst women in Washington who wanted a dress from her was "her fit and her adeptness when it came to draping fabric on the body. She was known to be the dressmaker in D.C. because her garments had extraordinary fit.”
September 27, 2023
I have the most enormous gaga eyes for these fabric collage illustrations. Woweeeee
November 7, 2021
I read about Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly in another book a couple of years ago, and was intrigued by her story of resilience and creativity. This picture book version of that story is a 3.5 for me. Born in Virginia in 1818, Elizabeth learned how to sew from her mother. Both of them were enslaved and witnessed families being separated as family members were sold off to pay bills. Eventually, Lizzie was sent to St. Louis where she supported the Garland family with her dressmaking skills. The women who appreciated her talents as a seamstress raised $1200 to gain her freedom, an amount she paid off five years later. Upon moving to Washington, DC, her skills were in great demand for dresses for Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of Robert E. Lee; Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis; and Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. A successful businesswoman, Lizzie founded a relief association, hired many African American women to work in her shop, taught sewing at a university, and even wrote her memoirs. Doing so caused a fracture in the friendship she shared with Mary Todd Lincoln. Hers is a fascinating story, supported here with actual excerpts from her memoir so that readers can hear her voice. The mixed media illustrations, created with oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and applique, all appropriate for a biography about a seamstress and dress designer, give the entire book the effect of a scrapbook or look book filled with possible designs and dresses and their embellishments. It's a designer's delight. Readers familiar with sewing may find themselves thinking of the countless stitches it took for Elizabeth to gain freedom and the toll that particular labor must have taken on her hands and other body parts. Hers is a story that needs to told and remembered. A timeline, a note from the author, and references, including a list of places to visit, all add to the book's worthiness.
October 24, 2022
Stitch by Stitch uncovers a truly remarkable woman, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, who fought through her challenges as a slave through resilience and determination. Elizabeth used her talents and skill as a seamstress to purchase her own freedom, then worked to make a career (which included time in the White House), provide employment for others, and help many of her people to lift themselves up. While the story is interesting and the illustrations are uniquely completed with a 3D look using actual fabrics, I was most touched by the author's choice to include quotes from Elizabeth's own writings in italics. Her words came through the centuries to me like truth carried across the sands of time. Just beautiful selections of her personal narrative brought to light, made accessible, through a children's story. While her life and choices were not perfect, and heartache and conflict tinge the simplicity, her story feels real and human.
"I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents-therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action."
Autobiography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly
"[Master] never liked to see one of his slaves wear a sorrowful face, and those who offended in this particular way were always punished. The sunny face of the slave is not always an indication of the sunshine in the heart."
"I went to work in earnest, and in a short time paid every cent. . ."
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
"I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents-therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action."
Autobiography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly
"[Master] never liked to see one of his slaves wear a sorrowful face, and those who offended in this particular way were always punished. The sunny face of the slave is not always an indication of the sunshine in the heart."
"I went to work in earnest, and in a short time paid every cent. . ."
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
December 20, 2021
Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY Holiday House, 2021 $19.00 9780853439638
BUYING ADVISORY:, EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Lizzy was born to enslaved parents in 1818, she learned to read write and sew from her mother. As a teen she was sent away to work, the only enslaved worker in a household, doing the work typically done by 3. But her skills at hand made dresses eventually drew attention to her from fancy patrons wanting her services, and she was able to raise $1,200 to buy her own and her son's freedom. In 1860 she moved to Washington, DC where she made dresses for the wife of Jefferson Davis as well as for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Based on Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, this story of perseverance and grit is a great addition to my short biographies section. Actual excerpts from her memoir are included in the text, which is a nice bonus. I loved the illustrations, they are overlaid with fabric and stitching and handiwork. Occasionally Zunon has left the raw edge of the fabric on a finished dress, which to my eye made the illustration look like a fabric piece was used rather than a dress was made, but my taste may differ from the artists. Also includes an author's note, timeline and some great online and other sources.
crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
BUYING ADVISORY:, EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Lizzy was born to enslaved parents in 1818, she learned to read write and sew from her mother. As a teen she was sent away to work, the only enslaved worker in a household, doing the work typically done by 3. But her skills at hand made dresses eventually drew attention to her from fancy patrons wanting her services, and she was able to raise $1,200 to buy her own and her son's freedom. In 1860 she moved to Washington, DC where she made dresses for the wife of Jefferson Davis as well as for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Based on Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, this story of perseverance and grit is a great addition to my short biographies section. Actual excerpts from her memoir are included in the text, which is a nice bonus. I loved the illustrations, they are overlaid with fabric and stitching and handiwork. Occasionally Zunon has left the raw edge of the fabric on a finished dress, which to my eye made the illustration look like a fabric piece was used rather than a dress was made, but my taste may differ from the artists. Also includes an author's note, timeline and some great online and other sources.
crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
May 8, 2022
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly was never in my history books, like this author, Connie Schofield-Morrison says in her author's note, too. Her life is an inspiration from early slave times when she assisted her mother who was the slaveowner's household seamstress, often beaten when she didn't do her job properly. She was moved to other household families, and ended up in St. Louis where her clientele loved her work so much, that they helped her purchase her and her son's freedom. Not only did she make a living and became famous for her beautiful creations after moving to DC, but she also became the dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln, was at the White House after losing her son in a Civil War battle & supported Mrs. Lincoln in the death of her young son, then her husband, President Lincoln. Elizabeth created many organizations to help freed slaves as well. It is a life you'll love learning about as Elizabeth Zunon's illustrations take readers beautifully through this life, page by page, and "Stitch by Stitch".
July 4, 2025
With lovely illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon, Connie Schofield-Morrison reveals a fascinating story about a woman born a slave who years later worked in the White House during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly was a slave, but learned to read from her mother who could read. She learned to sew from her mother, also. She endured much frustration and violence in her years as a slave. She sought to buy her freedom. It took a very long time. In that time, her sewing skills were seen by many of the wives of important leaders in our country just before the Civil War. Her work stood out and she never had a problem finding clients who needed her services. This book is lovely to peruse, even though I know nothing about sewing work. There is backmatter including a note from the author and a timeline for Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's life that could be used for a biography report by young researchers.
February 21, 2022
This picture book biography of the former enslaved seamstress to Mary Todd Lincoln (written about in the longer juvenile biography Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln, tells an inspiring story. Stitch by stitch, Keckley took control of her life through education, skills, and persistence. Telling the story in part with Keckley's own words was a great addition. The illustrated part of the story ended rather abruptly, but an additional page of information provides closure and sources will lead to more details. I had to follow some to find examples of Keckley's beautiful dresses.
December 19, 2021
A picture book about seamstress Elizabeth Keckly. Born in to slavery, Elizabeth learned how to sew from her mother who was a seamstress. She worked for several members of the Burwell family even supporting her enslavers at some point with her seamstress work. Her work eventually helped to buy her freedom. She then traveled to Washington D.C. and made dresses for the wives of the Confederate leaders and eventually for the first lady Mrs. Lincoln. They became friends but as time passed their friendship ended. Great book about Elizabeth Keckly.
January 10, 2022
The juxtaposition of finely drawn figures and faces with embroidery and collage like illustrations is sometimes jarring, but ultimately effective. The story is well told, not skipping the real and terrible circumstances of Elizabeth's life but showing her intelligence and fortitude. I think the balance between an story for children, and some truly terrible experiences is well struck. I really appreciate the inclusion of quotes from Elizabeth's book. Unfortunately, the book ends rather abruptly with a large section of text, which makes it feel unfinished.
February 26, 2022
Elizabeth Hobbs was born into slavery but was later able to move North and eventually buy her freedom. She also eventually became Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker, and later in life, wrote a book, which was most of the source material for this book I believe.
This book doesn't shy away from the hardships she faced, but they are presented in a way that's appropriate for children (maybe 3rd grade and up? not sure). She showed amazing resilience over the course of her life.
I found this picture book biography to be a helpful tool for learning about this period in America's history.
This book doesn't shy away from the hardships she faced, but they are presented in a way that's appropriate for children (maybe 3rd grade and up? not sure). She showed amazing resilience over the course of her life.
I found this picture book biography to be a helpful tool for learning about this period in America's history.
March 22, 2022
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly went from working as a slave to being the First Lady's personal dressmaker; a truly remarkable story. Based on her own writings, this picture shares a detailed account of her life history. There is no doubt Keckly's story is inspiring and also heartbreaking. This is not a picture book for young children, but for those ready to have an honest conversation about slavery it is a worthy addition to your read aloud or curriculum. Elizabeth Zunon's gorgeous stitched and collaged illustrations add a wonderful layer of texture and depth to the story.
May 22, 2022
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly was born into slavery and became a skilled and sought-after dressmaker and seamstress. She sewed gowns for both Varina Davis and Mary Todd Lincoln. An interesting picture book of a little known, talented, hardworking woman whose dressmaking skills intersected with important history in our country. It also shines a light on the fact that so many enslaved people were highly skilled and talented, had tremendous resilience, were literate, and contributed in incredible ways. The illustrations incorporate mixed media collage and embroidery.
November 15, 2022
Biography of the woman who earned her freedom from her work as a seamstress and made many of the poshes dresses around the time of President Lincoln, including several for Mary Lincoln (his wife). I found it a bit grim that she ended up in poverty at the end, but then so did Mrs. Lincoln.
The pictures are beautiful and really lean in to the sewing theme. Back matter is an author's note about her excitement when learning about this successful woman and her urge to share that knowledge, and a timeline.
The pictures are beautiful and really lean in to the sewing theme. Back matter is an author's note about her excitement when learning about this successful woman and her urge to share that knowledge, and a timeline.
May 23, 2025
Beautifully illustrated and artfully rendered picture book biography of Elizabeth Keckley, a Virginia woman who was enslaved for more than three decades and eventually became not only a highly sought after dressmaker to Washington, DC elites such as Varina Davis and Mary Todd Lincoln but also became a close personal friend of Mrs. Lincoln.
Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school library collections, especially where there is an interest in Civil War history, women's history, and Black history. Highly recommended especially in Virginia.
Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school library collections, especially where there is an interest in Civil War history, women's history, and Black history. Highly recommended especially in Virginia.
November 21, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Holiday House through Edelweiss+.
This biography for middle grade level takes readers from Keckly's childhood through receiving her freedom and to the end of her life. Schofield-Morrison offers a clear look at what life was like when she was a slave and the hardships that continued when she was free. The illustrations pick up on the sewing theme and offer a look at some of her dress designs and the quilts she learned on.
This biography for middle grade level takes readers from Keckly's childhood through receiving her freedom and to the end of her life. Schofield-Morrison offers a clear look at what life was like when she was a slave and the hardships that continued when she was free. The illustrations pick up on the sewing theme and offer a look at some of her dress designs and the quilts she learned on.
February 15, 2022
This was wonderful both for the story and for the sheer pleasure of the illustrations. I knew of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly as a seamstress to the wives of DC and especially Mary Lincoln. But I didn't know the extent of her amazing achievements as an entrepreneur, activist and philanthropist. Amazing and inspiring! I am really interested in reading more about her.
Elizabeth Zunon's illustrations are extraordinary - so intricate and effective.
Elizabeth Zunon's illustrations are extraordinary - so intricate and effective.
March 4, 2022
Important and valuable book that is an excellent addition for your Black History shelf. Few people have heard of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly but her achievements were remarkable. In colonial America, she was born a slave and as a talented seamstress and dressmaker with an unstoppable work ethic, was able to purchase her freedom. This book is not romanticized in the least and will provide much thoughtful discussion.
March 8, 2022
Love the illustrations, especially the ones that are collages of fabric and trimmings to give the dresses she made texture and dimension.
I'm not sure that the repetition of "stitch by stitch" worked.
I was surprised in the back matter to see that there was a large gap between publishing her book and working at the college. The book text made it seem to me like they were much closer together.
I'm not sure that the repetition of "stitch by stitch" worked.
I was surprised in the back matter to see that there was a large gap between publishing her book and working at the college. The book text made it seem to me like they were much closer together.
August 2, 2025
This storybook goes into the life of Elizabeth Keckley, born a slave, but she eventually bought herself and her son out of slavery. She was able to accomplish that daunting feat with her sewing and dressmaking. She made dresses for the wives of Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. She eventually made many dresses for Mary Todd Lincoln. She is a main character in Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an excellent novel by Jennifer Chiaverini.
January 11, 2022
This book is really interesting - fascinating, actually, and illustrated in a very engaging way. This would be a five star book, but then it just.. ends. The last page has text that continues, but it doesn't seem part of the story, but the story itself doesn't seem to conclude. Very disappointing when most of the book was so wonderful.
February 26, 2022
Tells the life story a girl born in slavery who bought her and her sons freedom and became the dressmaker of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Author's Note tells how author discovered Keckly's memoir in a a bookstore and became determined to make a picture book of the extraordinary woman who was a philanthropist, business owner, published author and prominent activist.
Author's Note tells how author discovered Keckly's memoir in a a bookstore and became determined to make a picture book of the extraordinary woman who was a philanthropist, business owner, published author and prominent activist.
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