The Patchwork Path:
A Quilt Map to Freedom
(Candlewick Press, 2005)
author: Bettye Stroud
illustrator: Erin Susanne Bennett

ISBN: 0763624233
Ages: 4-8

Awards / Recognition
• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award Winner
• Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights Outstanding Book Awards, Honorable Mention
• Comstock Book Award Honor Book 2006
• New York Times Best Children's Books 2005
• School Library Journal "Hot Reads 2006"
• Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs
• Show Me Award Nominee, Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2007-2008
• Washington Library Media Association Award Nominee
• Jane Adams Book Award Nominee
• A Selection of the Yale – New Haven Teachers Institute
• A Selection of the Alabama's Emphasis on Reading Program
• A Selection of Harcourt Books Beginning Reading Series
• Author of the Month, Embracing the Child
• A Bulletin Dozen, Center for Children's Books, 2006, 2007
• Book PALS, Book of the Month, 2006

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
12/15/2004
"Each [quilt] pattern has its own shape and meaning . . . and each shape points the way and gives inspiration to Hannah and her father when the time comes for them to flee."
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Multicultural Review
10/01/2005
"Moving and inspirational."
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Book Page
02/01/2005
circ=800,000
"The story follows a young slave girl named Hannah, who recalls the special quilt her mama once made for her, which includes secret meanings imbedded in the quilt patterns."
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Booklist
02/01/2005
"The exciting escape story makes the history immediate, and the fascinating quilt-code messages will have children revisiting the page that shows each symbol and its secret directions."
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Parents
02/01/2005
"Bettye Stroud's poignant book teaches kids about the importance of the Underground Railroad."
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Washington Post Book World
02/06/2005
"Bennett's strong, beautiful illustrations bring out the tedium and suspense of the long journey north from Georgia, following wagon wheel, flying geese, drunkard's path, and stars to freedom."
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Publishers Weekly
01/03/2005
thrf
"The child's candid first-person narrative captures her apprehension as well as her hope and determination. Newcomer Bennett contributes dramatic oil paintings in an earth-toned palette."
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School Library Journal
01/01/2005
"This works well as a story and also as a lesson in African-American history."
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