The Keeping Quilt, Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
        This story is an autobiographical picture storybook and it tells about an important quilt from Polacco's heritage. The story begins when her great-great-grandmother comes to America with her parents. Her dress and babushka remind her of home. These items become part of the quilt that the family creates then to remember Russia. Many different articles of clothing are sewn on to it and the babushka creates its border. The quilt sees many weddings, celebrations, and children coming into the world and is passed down to Polacco's great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and then to herself. She plans to pass the quilt to her daughter someday. This quilt was wrapped around her own daughter after she was born as well. It tells the story of their heritage so they never forget home.
       This story would be most appropriate for second and third-grade students. The language is simple and the illustrations carry the story. This would be a great way to introduce the idea of "heritage" to students. After reading this story as a read-aloud to the class, they could reflect on the importance of remembering the past. The students could share or create items that help them remember where they originate whether that is in the U.S. or from another country. No matter where anyone is from, every student has a cultural identity. It is important to foster this identity and this book would be a great way to start this.