James Whitcomb Riley: Young Poet (5)

Young Patriots

by Minnie Belle Mitchell, Montrew Dunham, Cathy Morrison (Illustrator)

Active and restless, “Bud” Riley, the boy who would grow to be one of the 19th century’s most popular and respected poets, had a hard time sitting still in school—unless he was drawing or writing the “poems he heard in his head.” Fine illustrations and text rich with history draw young readers into James Whitcomb Riley’s world on the edge of the Midwestern wilderness. Children fully experience Riley’s lively youth, from learning to swim (nearly drowning in the process) to acting as ringmaster in his own circus, complete with animal acts, music, and acrobats. Fun facts about James Whitcomb Riley provide children with a preview of the poet’s adult accomplishments and little-known facts about the man greatly admired by novelist Mark Twain and President Benjamin Harrison.

Genres: Biography, American History

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS Enjoyable and engaging. I would recommend it to young fans of Little House/Farmer Boy and the like. Much of it is slice-of-life, gentle, with an eye to children's thoughts and feelings. Really loved the way Riley's poems were woven in with the story. (Riley is often known as the "Children's Poet" and wrote many poems about his own childhood.) Sensitive children may find the chapter about Little Orphant Annie or The Black Swamp a bit frightening. The Civil War and Underground Railroad are mentioned in a few chapters but I feel it was addressed in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, though no less poignant for that (the chapter where it is discovered Grandmother is hiding a runaway enemy soldier... because he is her own son... touched my heart!) My seven-year-old enjoyed this so much he wanted me to read it all in one day. High praise, indeed!

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was delighted to see this book at the Wasilla library! The copy I read is signed by the author (Greenfield edition; copy 277/500).

I enjoyed the lens into Hoosier pioneer life and James Whitcomb Riley’s childhood. The book is certainly dated and has some racist scenes (published in 1942). Not for everyone, but it’s a quick read with interesting perspective.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like a breath of fresh air of history. I got a sense of Little House on the Prairie- Indiana edition. It read into a child’s mind and reasoning with humor and family values. I’m saving this one for my homeschool pile.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining telling of Riley's childhood and how various aspects and occurrences from his early days helped mould him into the wonderful poet and storyteller that he was.

I was not impressed, however with this audiobook version. There were several (15+) lines that were repeated.... and no, it wasn't for emphasis; it was the reader making corrections that never were edited out. It got to be super annoying. I guess it IS a little old because even though it was an MP3 file, there was a reminder to "rewind the tape."

[Challice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vote was 5 stars by the kids. This was a read aloud and they enjoyed hearing the poems and antics of this Hoosier poet.

Part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series. It was cute and fun. I let the kids give the review on this one.

[Beth Melillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for elementary/ early middle readers, not sure about 8th grade, so I am debating using it this year for SBHE. This is short vignettes about the poet's life, his family, interspersed with his poetry. The stories are alternatingly serious and funny

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one in my elementary school years. Stories of the childhood of the poet James Whitcomb Riley, growing up in 19th century Indiana.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This early reader book provides an overview of life in the mid-19th century, detailing how a young man's life takes shape, and with glimpses at his poetry that reflects those times.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as a simple intro to Whitcomb's growing-up years. It gave me just the right amount of information. Riley, his parents, and siblings grew up in the big house on National Road that is still standing. Life was happy until Riley's dad joined the army to fight for the Union in the Civil War. They came upon hard times then and had to leave the house, although Riley promised he'd buy it back when he grew up and became rich (he did!).

The book tells many childhood incidents that inspired Riley's poetry, and little excerpts of the poems are then included. Really neat, charming book.

The Gobble-uns’ll git you Ef you Don’t Watch Out!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is fantastic for young boys. It tells little stories of famous American men when they were young boys. It gives them great men to look up to.