Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez
by
Anna Haber Freeman ,Barbara Gonzalez
illustrated by
Aphelandra
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Albert Whitman & Company
Imprint
Albert Whitman
ISBN
9780807575994
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-oo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made them—and Maria—famous. This inspiring story of family and creativity illuminates how Maria's belief in sharing her love of clay brought success and joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country.More about Maria Povika Martinez. Note about the Tewa people and San Ildefonso Pueblo. Authors’ notes. Selected sources. Full-color illustrations.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
32
Trim Size
10" x 8"
Dewey
B
AR
4.6: points 0.5
Lexile
AD970L
Genre
Nonfic
Scholastic Reading Counts
0
JLG Release
Jul 2021
Book Genres
Picture Book, Autobiography/Biography, Narrative Nonfiction
Topics
María Montoya Martínez (1887–1980). Tewa women potters. San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico. Tewa pottery. Family. Traditions.
Standard MARC Records
Download Standard MARC Records
Cover Art
Download Cover Art
Praise & Reviews
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3–This picture book celebrates the life of Maria Povika (1887–1980), a renowned Tewa artist who discovered a pottery firing technique that changed history. In late 19th-century San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM, Povika began making pottery at a young age. She gathered clay from the Rio Grande to make pots, but despite her efforts, they cracked after being left in the sun. She sought help from her Aunt Nicolasa, who taught Povika the tradition of san-away and the importance of thanking Mother Earth and preserving Tewa traditions by sharing clay knowledge. Later, Povika married Julian Martinez, who helped raise their family while Povika’s artistic reputation continued to grow. In 1908, Povika was approached by an archaeologist, who asked her to make a pot based on a piece of ancient black pottery. While experimenting with different firing processes, Povika and Martinez accidentally created beautiful, glossy black clay pots. Soon, so many people wanted to buy their pots that Povika and Martinez had to train others in the Pueblo to mold and paint them. The couple was invited to teach their techniques, from San Francisco to New York and back to Tewa Pueblo again. After Martinez passed away, Povika shared her clay knowledge with her children and the Tewa people. Short, simple text conveys the significance of Povika’s discovery. Soft, colorful illustrations provide a sense of warmth and pay tribute to her lasting impact on her community and the world. VERDICT Through masterful storytelling and graceful illustrations, this impactful title embodies Maria Povika Martinez’s famous words: “The Great Spirit gave me [hands] that work...but not for myself, for all Tewa people.”–Natalie Romano, Denver P.L.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-This picture book celebrates the life of Maria Povika (1887-1980), a renowned Tewa artist who discovered a pottery firing technique that changed history. In late 19th-century San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM, Povika began making pottery at a young age. She gathered clay from the Rio Grande to make pots, but despite her efforts, they cracked after being left in the sun. She sought help from her Aunt Nicolasa, who taught Povika the tradition of san-away and the importance of thanking Mother Earth and preserving Tewa traditions by sharing clay knowledge. Later, Povika married Julian Martinez, who helped raise their family while Povika's artistic reputation continued to grow. In 1908, Povika was approached by an archaeologist, who asked her to make a pot based on a piece of ancient black pottery. While experimenting with different firing processes, Povika and Martinez accidentally created beautiful, glossy black clay pots. Soon, so many people wanted to buy their pots that Povika and Martinez had to train others in the Pueblo to mold and paint them. The couple was invited to teach their techniques, from San Francisco to New York and back to Tewa Pueblo again. After Martinez passed away, Povika shared her clay knowledge with her children and the Tewa people. Short, simple text conveys the significance of Povika's discovery. Soft, colorful illustrations provide a sense of warmth and pay tribute to her lasting impact on her community and the world. VERDICT Through masterful storytelling and graceful illustrations, this impactful title embodies Maria Povika Martinez's famous words: "The Great Spirit gave me [hands] that work.but not for myself, for all Tewa people."-Natalie Romano, Denver P.L.
Grades 2-6
Arts Elementary Plus
For Grades 2-6
These art-themed fiction and nonfiction books will foster a love of the arts among elementary readers. Enhance your arts program monthly will 12 books per year in this category.
14 books per Year
$297.36 per Year
Interests
Biographies,Diversity,Nonfiction,Science/STEAM
Grades 2-6
Arts Elementary Plus
14 books per Year
$297.36 per Year
