Any family with seven sons must hear plenty of bickering, but the seven Ashanti brothers in this family quarrel from dawn to dusk and into the night. Their father leaves them a legacy in more than material terms, with the requirement that they must spin seven spools of thread (each in a different shade) into gold in only one day—with no arguing. Medearis has crafted an original story with the timeless tone of a traditional folktale, subtly incorporating the seven principles of Kwanzaa into her plot. The brothers learn to cooperate in both words and deeds, weaving their seven colors of silken thread into multicolored cloth so beautiful it is purchased for the king (with a bag of gold, of course). Demonstrating the Kwanzaa principle of cooperative economics, the brothers teach their whole village to weave the patterned fabric known as kente cloth. Minter’s striking linoleum block-print illustrations complement the story perfectly, with the seven decidedly different brothers shown in silhouette against jewel-bright backgrounds full of intriguing details of African village life. The history and seven principles of Kwanzaa are clearly explained in the introduction; directions for making a simple loom from straws and weaving a cloth belt are included in an appendix. This added information as well as the satisfying story will make this beautifully designed book a valuable selection for elementary-school teachers and librarians. A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift, and a first choice for most school and public-library collections. (Picture book. 6-10)

-Kirkus Review

This is a great book that shows African tradition. It gives the reader a look into the importance of handmade clothes/things in Ghana. It is about a group of 7 brothers that must work together to gain their share of wealth, but they are required to make gold from the 7 spools before they can receive it. This book also shows that if you put your differences aside, you can create great things. ( )

This book tells the story of seven brothers living in an African Village who never get along, and their relationship is tested after a family and financial hardship when their father passes away! The boys receive their father's will, and on their father’s will, he leaves them with a request for all his sons to make gold out of seven spools of thread before/by sundown. The overall big picture of this story is to have one put their differences aside, in order to come to a solution for a problem! This story is in reference to Kwanzaa and teaches us about the spirit of this holiday! which is something important for students to learn about different cultures, It is a very relatable situation for students with siblings, or just students and their friends. Eventually, it is proven that the brothers can find harmony, when the arguing stopped, and they see that it takes team work, and life/death situation to realize that your life is precious, and that you should change how you are acting for the greater good, after all family comes first. ( )

This book is really good, full of colors and culture. The story is about seven brothers in an African village that would constantly fight. When their father died, the chief explains that they have until sundown to make gold out of seven spools of thread or they will be turned out as beggars. The brothers learn to work together and make something beautiful. They make a cloth, in which is bought as a gift for the king, in exchange for gold. The brothers continue to work together farming the land and teaching the village to make beautiful cloth. The story is adorable and teaches the life lesson of working together to accomplish a mission as well as giving back to the community when you have much while others have so little. The artwork is beautiful and colorful and very engaging. ( )

I like this book a lot and would love to read it to the class to make them aware of celebrations other than christmas that happen around the same time. I think it is good for them to be aware! ( )