Book Review #4 WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. Walt Whitman: Words for America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

ISBN: 9780439357913

Selznick, Brian. Walt Whitman: Words for America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

ISBN: 9780439357913

PLOT SUMMARY

Walt Whitman: Words for America written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Brian Selznick was a biographical account of Walt Whitman's life. Throughout the biography, the reader learned that Whitman had been a printer's apprentice and eventually became a printer and writer, which demonstrated his love of words. The reader also learned about Whitman's compassion and care towards people during the Civil War that helped inspire him to write poetry about America.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Throughout this biographical account of Walt Whitman's life, the reader didn't question the illustrations or information provided in the book. Many poems were directly quoted and at the back of the book there were notes from the author and illustrator, along with actual poems and notes, and cited sources for the reader. Since there was so much documentation, the accuracy of the book was clear. As for the organization in the book, it followed a logical chronological order by telling the story of Walt Whitman from the time he was twelve to his mid-forties, when he wrote Words for America. In order to assist the reader in following the life of Walt Whitman, the writer and illustrator used illustrations, letter writings, and poetry to support the organization and develop the design of the book. Through the illustrations, the reader was kept interested in Walt Whitman's life and could imagine his life and how he was devoted to others during the Civil War. The style format of the story also helped younger readers stay interested and encourage their curiosity, because the story was told with a conversational tone. The reader always felt encouraged to ask questions and seek the answers while reading the story, and at the end of the book, if they had more questions, they could read the poems, short biography, and information from the author and illustrator. It was a book that kept the attention of the reader while also encouraging them to keep reading on for more information.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 6))Although Whitman is most known for poetry "as free-ranging as his big, robust country," much of this treatment focuses on the writer's Civil War experiences providing company and small comforts to wounded soldiers. Lines of poetry elucidate Whitman's thoughts about the war, with the full text of the poems or sections of poems appearing at book's end. It's no surprise that this hasn't the instant appeal of Kerley and Selznick's The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Watkins (2002). The vicissitudes of a poet's life are of less inherent interest to young readers than dinosaur bones, and what whisper of excitement there is in Whitman's biography, Kerley downplays by focusing on his war-scarred twilight years rather than his reverberating "barbaric yawp" against starchy literary tradition. Like his collaborator's narrative, though, Selznick's contributions reflect a keen passion for research, right down to the subtle references to early editions of Leaves of Grass in the book's typeface and design. Try this sophisticated offering on readers who won't quail at the lengthy text and who will be less likely to skip the dense, illuminating endnotes. Younger readers may profit more from the more straightforward presentation of Whitman's words in Loren Long's excellent When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer, reviewed on p.583. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2004, Scholastic, Gr. 4-8.

Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)

Incorporating many actual quotes from Whitman's correspondence, poems, and other

writings into text and pictures, this book is a bold introduction to the person who changed

poetry forever. Kerley respects the reader but makes Whitman and his times

understandable for those with a rudimentary knowledge of the Civil War, Lincoln, and

the havoc wreaked by the War Between the States. Some of the most moving passages

and illustrations are ones that convey the poet's compassion for injured soldiers dying far

from ones who love them. Whitman's love of all humankind, his sensuous enjoyment of

nature, his outreach, and the composition of his poem "O Captain, My Captain" are

included. The text ends with the open-handed invitation: "Whoever you are now I place

my hand upon you that you be my poem." In extensive author and illustrator notes, both

creators reveal the sources of their inspiration, cover more completely the trajectory of

Whitman's life, and give the reader a deeper sense of Whitman's admiration for Lincoln.

It is especially telling to see what Selznick drew upon to create his powerful images and

montages and children will look again with deeper appreciation after reading these notes.

In an effort not to shortchange Whitman's poetry, Kerley has included eight longer

excerpts from "Leaves of Grass." As an introduction to "The Good Gray Poet," this book

succeeds on every level. Older readers who wish to learn more about Whitman should

search out Catherine Reef's 1995 biography, Walt Whitman. 2004, Scholastic, ages 9 to

14.

Carol A. Burbridge (Library Media Connection, February 2005)
This visually stunning book explores the life of one of America's great poets. Walt Whitman appreciated the experiences of ordinary people and expressed this in his poetry, which many people didn't understand at the time. Opposed to slavery but too old to enlist in the Union forces, Whitman tended to the injured and dying during the Civil War. His experiences and his grief over the death of Lincoln inspired some of his most poignant poetry. Teachers and librarians will find this a wonderful way to link a poet and his poetry to American history. With large, vivid illustrations, the book makes an excellent picture book to read aloud to a group or to be used for meaningful individual reading. Selections of Whitman's poetry can be found within the text and following the author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book. Highly Recommended. 2004, Scholastic, 56pp. Ages 9 to 13.

*Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education

*Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 18, 2004; Cahners
*School Library Journal Best Books, 2004; Cahners
*School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2004; Cahners

*Beacon of Freedom Award, 2007 Nominee
*California Book Awards, 2005 Silver Medal Juvenile
*New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2004 Winner
*Parents' Choice Award, 2004 Silver Non-Fiction
*Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005 Honor 

 

CONNECTIONS

*Explore characteristics that make up the spirit of America

*Discuss the different types of poems with students

*Identify and research important people during the Civil War

*Research with students information about the Civil War

*Other books by Barbara Kerley:

Kerley, Barbara. The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer. ISBN 9780439114943

Kerley, Barbara. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According To Susy).

ISBN 9780545125086