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Walt Whitman: Words for America
The pioneering team that brought you the Caldecott Honor-winning THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS focuses their remarkable skills and vision on Walt Whitman--poet, American, Civil War hero.
Did you know that poet Walt Whitman was also a Civil War nurse? Devastated by his country dividing and compelled to service by his brother's war injury, Walt nursed all soldiers-Union & Confederate, black & white. By getting to know them through many intense and affecting experiences, he began to see a greater life purpose: His writing could give these men a voice, & in turn, achieve his greatest aspiration--to capture the true spirit of America. Dramatic, powerful, & deeply moving, this consummate portrait of Whitman will inspire readers to pick up their pens & open their hearts to humanity.
Did you know that poet Walt Whitman was also a Civil War nurse? Devastated by his country dividing and compelled to service by his brother's war injury, Walt nursed all soldiers-Union & Confederate, black & white. By getting to know them through many intense and affecting experiences, he began to see a greater life purpose: His writing could give these men a voice, & in turn, achieve his greatest aspiration--to capture the true spirit of America. Dramatic, powerful, & deeply moving, this consummate portrait of Whitman will inspire readers to pick up their pens & open their hearts to humanity.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
3 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Kerley
26 books97 followersBarbara Kerley was born in Washington, D.C. and has lived in many places, including Nepal and the tropical island of Guam. She has written about almost everything: 19th C iguanodons, Teddy Roosevelt, world peace, Mark Twain's donkey, and the pleasure of following your curiosity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 11, 2020
walt whitman is an odd choice for a children's biography, says me. i like his poetry just fine, but at the end of the day, he was a weird little nudist who traveled america writing erotic poems. to continue this series, i would like to compile the little golden book of henry miller, and a child's treasury of genet. oh, how the parents will cheer me... as an added bonus, this book has a little cutout through which you can stick your face or whatever else you want to stick through there and pretend that you are walt whitman. some of you will try it, some of you will miss out on the fun.
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September 6, 2010
This is a classy book, and it’s beautifully put together, from the cover with a cut out section and all the way through, the telling of the story and the illustrations work together beautifully.
Much of Walt Whitman's poetry is included, including complete poems from Leaves of Grass added in at the end of the book. (It makes me want to pull out my copy of that book; I suspect I’d have to add my edition to the Goodreads’ database as it’s so old. I haven’t read anything from it since my teens.)
This is an excellent biography of Whitman, going from birth to death, focusing especially on the Civil War years, when he was in his 40s, and on his actual poems.
The author and illustrator both have notes at the end of the book, and they do tell how this book came to be, and give some more details about Walt and his times.
This is a book for older children, perhaps ages 9-13. It does discuss the horrors of war (I felt quite disturbed reading all the details), not so much of slavery, but some of other of life’s difficulties, and it also shows how Walt’s giving nature persists throughout his life.
I can’t quite give the book 5 stars: some of the illustrations didn’t appeal to me, and the book seemed long (in parts, parts I wanted longer) and dragged a little at times.
As a diligent and conscientious Goodreads’ librarian I checked what must be an error: This is a biography and history book so it can’t have possibly won the “Bristish Fantasy Award (2004)” as it indicates in the book’s literary awards field. I couldn’t find it listed anywhere but here so off it went. If some other GR librarian discovers I made an error, by all means add that award back.
Much of Walt Whitman's poetry is included, including complete poems from Leaves of Grass added in at the end of the book. (It makes me want to pull out my copy of that book; I suspect I’d have to add my edition to the Goodreads’ database as it’s so old. I haven’t read anything from it since my teens.)
This is an excellent biography of Whitman, going from birth to death, focusing especially on the Civil War years, when he was in his 40s, and on his actual poems.
The author and illustrator both have notes at the end of the book, and they do tell how this book came to be, and give some more details about Walt and his times.
This is a book for older children, perhaps ages 9-13. It does discuss the horrors of war (I felt quite disturbed reading all the details), not so much of slavery, but some of other of life’s difficulties, and it also shows how Walt’s giving nature persists throughout his life.
I can’t quite give the book 5 stars: some of the illustrations didn’t appeal to me, and the book seemed long (in parts, parts I wanted longer) and dragged a little at times.
As a diligent and conscientious Goodreads’ librarian I checked what must be an error: This is a biography and history book so it can’t have possibly won the “Bristish Fantasy Award (2004)” as it indicates in the book’s literary awards field. I couldn’t find it listed anywhere but here so off it went. If some other GR librarian discovers I made an error, by all means add that award back.
August 27, 2010
It took me several weeks to finally read this book. I kept wondering, could one write a picture book biography of "The Good Gray Poet" in a way that could even slightly convey the heart and soul that sings through his own poetry? Well, the team of Kerley and Selznick manage to capture a miracle within the pages of their book. I was deeply moved by this lovingly crafted biography, as much an ode to Whitman as it is to the men and women of America for whom he wrote his own poems.
The story begins, "Walt Whitman loved words." It describes his early attraction to the written word, especially in his newspaper work, first as an apprentice at age twelve, then starting his own paper, with the help of his younger brother George, at nineteen. There is brief mention of how much he enjoyed reading, people-watching, and exploring the natural world.
The majority of the book deals with Whitman's experiences during the Civil War. Aged forty-one when the war broke out, Whitman regretted that he was too old to enlist. He proudly watched his brother George march off to fight for the Union. Whitman began visiting army hospitals, longing for something to do to help the war efforts and the brave men who fought for the cause he held so dear. Often, he would help dress wounds, try to entertain the men, even write down their small desires ("David S. Giles--Company F 28th New Jersey Volunteers--wants an apple") and make sure to deliver. Perhaps most touching is when he would stay all night beside a hospital bed, so that a young soldier would not have to die alone. He even took it upon himself to write letters home to the families of these men, offering condolences and some small comfort that their beloved husband/brother/son had someone to see them through to the end. Whitman's deep pride in the soldiers, his wish to honor them, and his belief that, in them, he found "the best expression of American character", prompted him to write his collection entitled "Drum-Taps" about the soldiers' experiences. On his way to the army hospitals, Whitman often passed President Lincoln in Washington DC and came to have a great deal of respect and even personal affection for him. The book shares his desire to honor the president and help the nation deal with its grief with the penning of "O, Captain, My Captain!"
My only "negative" for the book is that I wish it had included more of his life, but I think that the focus on the Civil War aspect was a wise choice in terms of creating a more cohesive and touching story.
This book left me feeling raw. My heart was broken over the tragic experiences of the soldiers, and deeply warmed by Whitman's dedication to them. Scattered throughout Kerley's own words are excerpts from some of Whitman's poems, with more complete versions in the back of the book. Selznick's illustrations are marvelous, deeply human and wonderfully artistic and detailed.
The author's and illustrator's notes at the back of the book are excellent. (I even learned why we call letters "uppercase" and "lowercase"--the trays of type for printing newspaper were organized such that the capital letters were placed on the upper shelf, the others on the lower shelf!) To conclude his note, Selznick writes: "There is... one statement Walt made that haunted me, and it comes from a poem also in 'Leaves of Grass', called 'So Long.' It says, 'Camerado, this is no book, / Who touches this touches a man.' I hope you will feel the same way about the book you are now holding in your hands." Thank you, Mr. Selznick and Ms. Kerley, I certainly do!
*I love Walt Whitman's poetry and spirit so it pains me to think of people ignoring his work as a whole because of certain poems they may find unsavory. Please note that this book is appropriate for children and the excerpts are "clean." I would still recommend this book for older children, though, as it is haunting and also more complex in subject matter and length. Please note there is a very tasteful illustration of a teenage Walt running naked along the beach, at one with nature--you see just enough of his bottom to know he is not wearing any clothes; of course, I found this beautiful and I assume those who will take offense with it will not be reading anything having to do with Walt Whitman in the first place. Ah, what they are missing!
The story begins, "Walt Whitman loved words." It describes his early attraction to the written word, especially in his newspaper work, first as an apprentice at age twelve, then starting his own paper, with the help of his younger brother George, at nineteen. There is brief mention of how much he enjoyed reading, people-watching, and exploring the natural world.
The majority of the book deals with Whitman's experiences during the Civil War. Aged forty-one when the war broke out, Whitman regretted that he was too old to enlist. He proudly watched his brother George march off to fight for the Union. Whitman began visiting army hospitals, longing for something to do to help the war efforts and the brave men who fought for the cause he held so dear. Often, he would help dress wounds, try to entertain the men, even write down their small desires ("David S. Giles--Company F 28th New Jersey Volunteers--wants an apple") and make sure to deliver. Perhaps most touching is when he would stay all night beside a hospital bed, so that a young soldier would not have to die alone. He even took it upon himself to write letters home to the families of these men, offering condolences and some small comfort that their beloved husband/brother/son had someone to see them through to the end. Whitman's deep pride in the soldiers, his wish to honor them, and his belief that, in them, he found "the best expression of American character", prompted him to write his collection entitled "Drum-Taps" about the soldiers' experiences. On his way to the army hospitals, Whitman often passed President Lincoln in Washington DC and came to have a great deal of respect and even personal affection for him. The book shares his desire to honor the president and help the nation deal with its grief with the penning of "O, Captain, My Captain!"
My only "negative" for the book is that I wish it had included more of his life, but I think that the focus on the Civil War aspect was a wise choice in terms of creating a more cohesive and touching story.
This book left me feeling raw. My heart was broken over the tragic experiences of the soldiers, and deeply warmed by Whitman's dedication to them. Scattered throughout Kerley's own words are excerpts from some of Whitman's poems, with more complete versions in the back of the book. Selznick's illustrations are marvelous, deeply human and wonderfully artistic and detailed.
The author's and illustrator's notes at the back of the book are excellent. (I even learned why we call letters "uppercase" and "lowercase"--the trays of type for printing newspaper were organized such that the capital letters were placed on the upper shelf, the others on the lower shelf!) To conclude his note, Selznick writes: "There is... one statement Walt made that haunted me, and it comes from a poem also in 'Leaves of Grass', called 'So Long.' It says, 'Camerado, this is no book, / Who touches this touches a man.' I hope you will feel the same way about the book you are now holding in your hands." Thank you, Mr. Selznick and Ms. Kerley, I certainly do!
*I love Walt Whitman's poetry and spirit so it pains me to think of people ignoring his work as a whole because of certain poems they may find unsavory. Please note that this book is appropriate for children and the excerpts are "clean." I would still recommend this book for older children, though, as it is haunting and also more complex in subject matter and length. Please note there is a very tasteful illustration of a teenage Walt running naked along the beach, at one with nature--you see just enough of his bottom to know he is not wearing any clothes; of course, I found this beautiful and I assume those who will take offense with it will not be reading anything having to do with Walt Whitman in the first place. Ah, what they are missing!
November 17, 2019
Making Walt Whitman's involvement in and reactions to the American Civil War their focus, Barbara Kerley and Brian Selznick - the same author/illustrator team behind the fabulous
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins
- have produced an emotionally involving, and artistically satisfying picture-book about this great American poet. Making judicious use of Whitman's own words, Kerley begins (appropriately enough) with Whitman's youth, and his time as a printer's apprentice, but quickly moves on to his adulthood, the development of his free-wheeling poetic style - so out of step with the literary establishment of the day - and his work as a sort of de facto, unofficial nurse in Washington, D.C., during the dark days of the Civil War. The tragic aftermath of the war, and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln - for whom Whitman felt a deep admiration and love - is also covered, with a brief summary of the poet's alter years.
All things considered, I don't know that Walt Whitman: Words for America is really the best biography of this poet for young people, as it has such a specific focus, but as an exploration of Whitman's involvement in the life of the nation - his sense of himself as a sort of everyman, his desire to speak for and to the common man, his love for people of all kinds, and of all regions - it succeeds. The artwork is simply beautiful, and it struck me, as I was looking at it, they'd I'd only really seen Selznick's black-and-white pencil drawings, in works like The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck , so it was good to finally experience his full-color paintings. The two-page on which two Whitmans are facing away from one another - one rushing along a crowded city street, the other running naked along a deserted beach - was particularly appealing, although I really appreciated them all.
In short: this is a wonderful book, very informative and thought-provoking, that will introduce young readers to Whitman and his poetry (I found, after reading it, that I wanted to pick up my Whitman, realizing that it really had been some time), while also treating them to some beautiful illustrations!
All things considered, I don't know that Walt Whitman: Words for America is really the best biography of this poet for young people, as it has such a specific focus, but as an exploration of Whitman's involvement in the life of the nation - his sense of himself as a sort of everyman, his desire to speak for and to the common man, his love for people of all kinds, and of all regions - it succeeds. The artwork is simply beautiful, and it struck me, as I was looking at it, they'd I'd only really seen Selznick's black-and-white pencil drawings, in works like The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck , so it was good to finally experience his full-color paintings. The two-page on which two Whitmans are facing away from one another - one rushing along a crowded city street, the other running naked along a deserted beach - was particularly appealing, although I really appreciated them all.
In short: this is a wonderful book, very informative and thought-provoking, that will introduce young readers to Whitman and his poetry (I found, after reading it, that I wanted to pick up my Whitman, realizing that it really had been some time), while also treating them to some beautiful illustrations!
July 19, 2009
This isn't a very inspiring biography of Walt Whitman. Being that it is for children I shouldn't find this too surprising, but after reading some of the other children non-fiction books I was expecting a little more. I'm sure Brian Selznick worked hard on the illustrations, but they seemed pretty weak. Not that his drawing style in his other books is great, but in the Cabinet of Hugo whatever the title is, and the Harry Houdini book they added something wondrous to the story, here they seemed to cheapen the story.
Why three stars? I don't know. It's not a bad book, and since I'm not the intended audience of the book, and I'm not reading it on my own free-will I think I shouldn't be too harsh. While no mention of Whitman's sexuality is mentioned, there is an almost Victorian nod to it in the author notes in the back, and one of the pictures does have a homo-sensual (it's not erotic, does this term work?) feel to it.
Why three stars? I don't know. It's not a bad book, and since I'm not the intended audience of the book, and I'm not reading it on my own free-will I think I shouldn't be too harsh. While no mention of Whitman's sexuality is mentioned, there is an almost Victorian nod to it in the author notes in the back, and one of the pictures does have a homo-sensual (it's not erotic, does this term work?) feel to it.
November 20, 2022
" Everywhere he went , Walt scribbled in his notebooks:riding the rails as his train chugged south west Maryland,jerking and swaying as his stagecoach jounced over Allegheny Mountains, steaming slowly down the Mississippi River, past Southern plantation -immense mansions with acres with cotton, Walt traveled from New York to New Orleans and home again He saw America from top to bottom "
"His first employer give him library card, wich Walt later called "the signal event of my life up to that time "
"Whoever you are now I place my hand upon you that you be my poem "
"His first employer give him library card, wich Walt later called "the signal event of my life up to that time "
"Whoever you are now I place my hand upon you that you be my poem "
May 2, 2017
Inspired me to want to pick up his poems and re-read them.
February 11, 2018
This book is a good read for children who are older in age and have been reading on their own for awhile. It's a great introductory story of Walt Whitman and his life. If a child is interested in American Literature then this would be an awesome book for them to learn a bit of history from. I, myself, learned things about Walt Whitman that I didn't know prior to reading this, so I was pleased by the large amount of information that the author packed into a small book. I could see a young child becoming antsy before this book was over due to its length, which is why I recommend it for a child of eight years or older.
(Robert F. Siburt Award)
(Robert F. Siburt Award)
February 19, 2018
Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley is a biography that would be great to use in grades 3 through 6. I would use this as a read aloud for grade 3 and maybe 4 then as an independent read for grades 5 and 6. This book would be accessible for all students because there are no emotionally hard topics that they would need to explore. Also, this book covers a majority of Whitman's life starting at age 12, so students really get to see how his writing and life progressed.
In a classroom I would have students use this book during social studies time to learn more about history, specifically Walt Whitman and the Civil War. If students were given a project to research any historical figure this would be a great book to use. Students would be able to learn so much about how Whitman first came to love words. They would get to read about his involvement in the Civil War and how he helped soldiers along the way. Another way to use this book in the classroom would be to analyze the poems that Whitman wrote about the Civil War and America in general. Students would have to break down the poems and find the meaning behind the words, so they can understand what Walt is referring to when writing. It would be fun for students to "translate" the poems that Whitman wrote into their own words.
This was a WOW book for me because I got to learn about a historical figure I have never really heard of. I really liked how the book followed Whitman's life. I also got to learn more about the Civil War through the eyes of someone not actually fighting in the war. One of my favorite parts of the books was the illustrations because of the amount of detail put into them and they really played a big part in the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about someone new!
In a classroom I would have students use this book during social studies time to learn more about history, specifically Walt Whitman and the Civil War. If students were given a project to research any historical figure this would be a great book to use. Students would be able to learn so much about how Whitman first came to love words. They would get to read about his involvement in the Civil War and how he helped soldiers along the way. Another way to use this book in the classroom would be to analyze the poems that Whitman wrote about the Civil War and America in general. Students would have to break down the poems and find the meaning behind the words, so they can understand what Walt is referring to when writing. It would be fun for students to "translate" the poems that Whitman wrote into their own words.
This was a WOW book for me because I got to learn about a historical figure I have never really heard of. I really liked how the book followed Whitman's life. I also got to learn more about the Civil War through the eyes of someone not actually fighting in the war. One of my favorite parts of the books was the illustrations because of the amount of detail put into them and they really played a big part in the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about someone new!
April 25, 2016
Barbara Kerley did an exceptional job at turning the story of a famous poet's life into that of a hero's. Her description of Whitman's life took readers back in time. This short biographically styled story gives young readers the opportunity to find meaning in some of Whitman's deepest poems. While reading about this time in American history students find out why Whitman wrote the poems he did, his time and important role on the sidelines of the Civil War, and who he was really speaking for through his poetry. Adults as well as, students can enjoy learning more about one of America's most well-respected and renowned poet's humble beginnings, honorable life, his poor health and greatly mourned death.
This text is a WOW book because I feel that it can get students interested in American history and literature through more of a story telling perspective. It's shortened description of a man's life gave a more real and exciting account about important components in American history that students might never get the chance to study in context with Walt Whitman. I remember not knowing who he was until high school and never getting to study anymore about him than his work and I found it so intriguing that this book gives elementary aged students the opportunity to do so.
I would use this book in upper elementary grades or early middle school to show examples of American literature and how poets really helped shape the views and culture in America about societal issues of their time. This would be a great text to use to integrate social studies and language arts standards. There could be a unit on writing and developing poetry about the injustices students see in their society. Having students write for an individual that doesn't have the ability to do so for themselves like Whitman did for so many soldiers. Then within social studies researching how Whitman's actions and writings affected the soldiers and his community. I think there are many possibilities in units across social students, writing, and reading for Kerley's book to be a great source.
This text is a WOW book because I feel that it can get students interested in American history and literature through more of a story telling perspective. It's shortened description of a man's life gave a more real and exciting account about important components in American history that students might never get the chance to study in context with Walt Whitman. I remember not knowing who he was until high school and never getting to study anymore about him than his work and I found it so intriguing that this book gives elementary aged students the opportunity to do so.
I would use this book in upper elementary grades or early middle school to show examples of American literature and how poets really helped shape the views and culture in America about societal issues of their time. This would be a great text to use to integrate social studies and language arts standards. There could be a unit on writing and developing poetry about the injustices students see in their society. Having students write for an individual that doesn't have the ability to do so for themselves like Whitman did for so many soldiers. Then within social studies researching how Whitman's actions and writings affected the soldiers and his community. I think there are many possibilities in units across social students, writing, and reading for Kerley's book to be a great source.
November 8, 2009
This is a wonderful picture book for older readers. Walt Whitman was a selfless Civil War nurse. The illustrations are just beautiful. The pages are over-sized with an old-fashioned design. Poetry is incorporated into the pages. Walt hoped to be the voice of America one day. When the war starts, Kerley makes a large painting of soldiers in their uniforms. As the war continues, Kerley shows the relationship between Whitman and his embattled president who he would see on the streets of the capital. Whitman is forced to return home because of his health. He hears the news about the war being over and a few days later about Lincoln's death. Whitman turns to poetry to help himself during this time. He wants to turn toward peace and rebuilding. This is a wonderful picture book for older readers to become exposed to.
This story is just wonderful. I was hooked from the moment I looked at the first illustration in the story. The fourth graders do a unit in my school where they study certain people in history and do a report on it. I know that the teachers struggle to find good picture books for older readers. I am definitely going to recommend this story to them because it was just captivating. Learning about Walt Whitman was just incredible and I loved the poetry that was added to the pages. This is a must read!
This story is just wonderful. I was hooked from the moment I looked at the first illustration in the story. The fourth graders do a unit in my school where they study certain people in history and do a report on it. I know that the teachers struggle to find good picture books for older readers. I am definitely going to recommend this story to them because it was just captivating. Learning about Walt Whitman was just incredible and I loved the poetry that was added to the pages. This is a must read!
April 9, 2013
I picked this up to read with my kids for National Poetry Month, and am so glad I did. It is beautifully written and illustrated...a moving biography of one of the greatest American writers of all time, this book inspires you to celebrate our country and its people--exactly as Whitman's poetry and life experiences have for centuries. I love that it is kid-friendly, yet still something an adult can learn from...and the inclusion of Whitman's poetry throughout is a true gift. Bonus: the section at the end with author and illustrator notes also includes some of Whitman's extended poems--a nice touch.
My son, who is 8, says this: "It is inspiring, because right after we finished the book, I jumped up and wrote a poem. All the poetry in the book made me feel like I had to make my own poem right after reading it. Reading the poems was interesting, and there were so many poems, there was this feeling like I had to follow along and make my own poem. I think this book is really just inspiring."
Yes, it really is!
My son, who is 8, says this: "It is inspiring, because right after we finished the book, I jumped up and wrote a poem. All the poetry in the book made me feel like I had to make my own poem right after reading it. Reading the poems was interesting, and there were so many poems, there was this feeling like I had to follow along and make my own poem. I think this book is really just inspiring."
Yes, it really is!
December 24, 2009
If you don't know much about Walt Whitman, this book is a great starting point! It will also make you want to learn more - or at the very least you will want to read more of his poetry: "O Captain! my Captain!" This would be a great book for introducing Walt Whitman to older students, or as a companion book in a unit about Abraham Lincoln or the Civil War. Barbara Kerley's text and Brian Selznick's illustrations work hand-in-hand to tell the story of Whitman's life. Don't skip the author's and illustrator's notes at the end. They really add a new dimension to the book. Also, longer excerpts of several of Whitman's poems are included at the end. This definitely deserves its Sibert Honor award.
March 27, 2025
While pursuing the stacks for a student, I found a few more youth/graphic novels that helped to get me out of my rut. Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley. Now I love me some American poets and Walt is of course one of the best. I once had students do a writing assignment where they had to imagine Whitman on a blind date with Emily Dickinson and they could only use lines from their respective poems as dialogue. It was a fantastic exercise. This book is a nicely illustrated introduction to Walt’s biography and some of his poems with a heavy dose of history lessons. Good for booky adults who want to try & hook their kids early but I don’t see many teenagers taking kindly to this particular genre anytime soon.
May 25, 2018
This book has been on the bookshelf in my classroom for years. I picked it up today and read. Beautiful!
Most striking to me were the illustrations. Brian Selznick did a wonderful job.
Barbara Kerley tells the wonderful story of a wonderful man. Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about Whitman. I have a much better understanding of him after having read this. He was an honorable man. He was a voice of America.
Most striking to me were the illustrations. Brian Selznick did a wonderful job.
Barbara Kerley tells the wonderful story of a wonderful man. Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about Whitman. I have a much better understanding of him after having read this. He was an honorable man. He was a voice of America.
September 12, 2022
Beautifully illustrated biography of Walt Whitman suitable for grades 5 through middle school. Readers learn what a compassionate and selfless man he was, especially through his devoted service to injured soldiers on both sides in Civil War hospitals. There are 5 pages included at the end of the book with more detailed information. I especially appreciated the Illustrator’s Note explaining the extensive research and travels he did to be true to Whitman’s life.
September 15, 2024
Continuing my read of Sibert winners and honors. This is a children's picture book biography but with a lot of words. I am not much for poetry, and really this book didn't change my opinion. The afterword was pretty good for providing more poems and just a little bit more of Whitman's life. But I don't feel like I know but the slightest bit of who Whitman was or what impact he had. And I don't feel all that charged up to read his works directly.
July 24, 2021
I've had this for years but never got around to reading it to my kids--and I'm sorry I didn't for it's a good presentation of Whitman's life focusing particularly on his care for wounded soldiers during the civil war and introduction his poetry in kid-size installments. Great illustrations from Selznick, of course!
August 5, 2019
Nonfiction Picture Book: Tells the story of Whitman's love for words and how that love led to his life's work. So informational, in the form of a beautiful picture book! So many teaching opportunities for 2ndary classrooms!
November 7, 2021
In the book "Walt Whitman:Words for America" I found it interesting how the illustrations changed throughout what part of Walt's life we were in. During the eras each illustration provided enough information to understand Walt and understand what kind of writing he was doing as well.
January 21, 2022
Lovely biography of the poet who loved his country, and who spent his life writing about it. He also was generous with his time, caring for wounded and dying soldiers from both sides during the Civil War.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
This book felt less like a biography and more of a memoir. I found the formatting to be a little odd. At the same time, I learned a number of facts about Whitman and the illustrations were excellent.
June 11, 2022
What a BEAUTIFUL book! It is obvious that both the author and the illustrator, Brian Selznick, have a a great love and admiration for Walt Whitman. The story is great, and illustrations are amazing. This is a book I might want to buy.
November 6, 2017
Beautiful book. I never knew "O Captain! My Captain!" was about President Lincoln.
June 8, 2018
A great children's picture book describing the life and times of Walt Whitman.
April 2, 2019
A gorgeous picture book biography that is incredibly informative. Even adults will enjoy it!
December 27, 2020
Nice introduction to an American treasure.
April 8, 2021
This was a very nice, short children's book about Walt Whitman. The illustrations are stunning, not a surprise from Selznick
January 11, 2025
This would be for older kiddos as a good introduction to Whitman's life and works(late elementary ). Interesting choice and a little wordy/long as a true picture book for younger kids.
December 31, 2023
Purchased 30 Dec 2023 at Books in Stock, Wooster, OH. $7.00
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews