As part of a language arts class project, eighth-grade students at the Amelia Junior High School have just completed construction on a thought-provoking African-American themed quilt.

The idea for the quilt was inspired by the Gary Paulsen novel “Nightjohn,” which the Amelia Junior High students were reading in class. “Nightjohn,” an historically accurate and groundbreaking novel set in the 1850’s, is about a plantation slave who escapes north to freedom, and, risking death, comes back south to teach other slaves how to read.

“Three of my language arts classes have been studying black history, reading various books by and about black Americans, and watching videos about black history,” said language arts teacher Tina Wolfer. “A lot of work and research has gone into and prepared the students for this project.”