Etched in Clay

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the injustices of history or looking for ways to express their identity through creative outlets. This verse novel follows the life of Dave the Potter, an enslaved man in 19th-century South Carolina who took the courageous and dangerous risk of signing his name and writing poetry on his clay jars. Through hauntingly beautiful poetry, the book explores themes of resilience, the power of literacy, and the human need to be remembered. It is a sophisticated, poignant read for middle schoolers that balances the harsh realities of slavery with the triumphant spirit of an artist who refused to be erased. Parents will appreciate how it uses art as a bridge to discuss heavy historical truths in a way that feels intimate and personal.