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Martha Ann Ricks did not give up easily. The ex-slave from Tennessee spent fifty years chasing her dream of meeting Queen Victoria in the late 1800s. Her true tale of strength and faith can now serve as a lesson to all children through Kyra Hicks’ nonfiction book, “Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria.” After Ricks’ father bought his family’s freedom, they moved to Liberia, where the British Navy patrolled the coastline to prevent slave catchers. As a young girl, Ricks decided to thank Queen Victoria personally, but money for the 3,500-mile journey, a gift fit for royalty and laughter from friends and neighbors all stood in the way of her dream. Ricks was an expert seamstress and as a thank you gift for the Queen, chose to make a quilt depicting the coffee trees that grew on her family’s Liberian farm. In 1892, nine years before her own death, Ricks finally fulfilled her dream of meeting the Queen. “I hope that children reading this book will be inspired to dream big and feel confident that they can achieve their dreams with diligence and faith,” says Hicks.
Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria
Kyra E. Hicks
Brown Books Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781933285597
Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 9) for Reader Views (03/07)
"Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria" is a terrific picture book for kids. The story is based on the true story of Martha Ann Ricks. I loved reading about how her Martha Ann's father saved money in a red box. He was able to get his family out of slavery. My favorite part of the story was when she taught kids at the local mission where her husband Sion worked.
It was exciting when she got to meet Queen Victoria because of her beautiful big quilt.
The pictures in this book are great. The illustrator Lee Edward Fodi does a great job in showing what it was like in the 1800's from the fashions to the hairstyles. More books should be written based on true stories like this one.
Note from Brianne's mom: Brianne loved this book. She thinks the kids at her school will love this story as much as she did.
Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (12/06)
“Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria” is an absolutely exquisite book, written and designed with the author's entire heart. A touching story of a young girl's life from slavery to freedom and into old age, you will experience a lifetime of insight to the world and how it works. A touch of history is shared, along with a story of courage, survival and love of life itself.
Illustrated with such delightful art work and beautifully compiled, this book is a true must have in any library, personal or school. I cannot imagine any more perfect gift to your child's school library, as not only does this book illustrate the hardships of the lives of slaves, but the beautiful way one young lady managed to survive and even learn from her hardships.
As Martha Ann grows up she is taught the art of sewing by her mother. Taking this art to a perfect art form in itself, she creates a quilt for a woman who lives a life so very different from hers, yet that she feels she has a connection with simply because the Queen has kept her and her family safe from being brought back to slavery. As you see the young girl develop into a woman, having her own family and creating her own life and life's struggles, you realize the impact one's parents have on a child not just as they grow up but throughout their life.
Something as simple as a small, red box can take on new meaning when it portrays your ability to live a dream, whether that dream is freedom or meeting someone dear to your heart.
“Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria” is truly a wonderful and touching story that will remain embedded in your heart for years to come.
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