Walt Whitman: Words For America

Walt Whitman: Words For America

By: Barbara Kerley

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2004. Walt Whitman: Words For America. Ill. Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439357918

PLOT/SUMMARY

This biography of a poet who changed the course of American poetry is not a complete birth through death informational book. Rather, it details defining moments or events in Walt Whitman’s life that helped define his style and focuses, in particular, on his time spent comforting injured soldiers during the Civil War and his fascination with Abraham Lincoln. Weaving his poetry throughout the gloriously illustrated pages teaches us not only about the great poet himself, but also the story of a nation at war with itself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book biography is buoyed equally by the easy tone of the author, the utilization of Whitman’s own words to tell his story, and the incredible illustrations of Brian Selznick. Accuracy is present in the extensive endnotes covering the finer details of Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War as well as the complete version of many of his poems. What the author conveys with a graceful style of writing in the pages of the book itself are concisely stated in greater detail in the endnotes along with source notes, right down to the fact that the text type was set in 12 point Scotch Roman because this was Walt Whitman’s favorite typeface and the one he used in the original edition of Leaves of Grass. Selznick’s contribution cannot be overstated as his illustrations, varying from full page format to smaller inset photo with surrounding, empty white space meant to simulate isolation or distress. Upon the death of Lincoln, we are given a visual of Whitman’s grief as the facing pages are black and there is an illustration of Whitman with his back to us, accompanied by the words to “O Captain! My Captain!” The design and style of this biography stylishly share an important portion of Walt Whitman’s life with readers and will undoubtedly encourage them to study him in greater depth.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

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

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Editor's Choice, 2004 ; Kirkus Reviews; United States
Children's Literature Choice List, 2005 ; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005 ; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books , 2004 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2004 ; Cahners; United States

Children’s Literature Starred Review…”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.”

Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices Starred Review…”Barbara Kerley quickly sums up the details of Whitman’s young life, demonstrating his love affair with language and poetry, his fascination with the common people, and his passionate appreciation for the potential of America. She then focuses on the period of his life during which he made the most contributions to his country, both in words (his poetry) and in deed (his actions during the Civil War).”

Library Media Connection Starred Review…”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.”

CONNECTIONS

*For a class activity relating to one of Walt Whitman’s poems, use one of his more popular poems “I Hear America Singing.” Lead a discussion as to what each line of the poem means, how these people mentioned are “singing”. What do they think that means…to “sing” in their job? Then, have the class compose a group poem called “I Hear the Classroom Singing”. Each student contributes a line about themselves “I hear (---) singing , as he/she (does something they are good at/love to do)”.

*Study Walt Whitman’s poems that refer to Abraham Lincoln, “O Captain, My Captain” and “When Lilacs Last In the Dooryard Bloom’d”. What are the emotions present in these poems, and what phrases/words does he use to express his deep feelings?

*Depending on the age of the class, you can begin a study on the Civil War. Which states were the Union states, and which were the Confederates? Since the book covers the period of Walt Whitman’s life wherein he served as a nurse to wounded soldiers, students can research more about the conditions in these hospitals, how the soldiers and nurses interacted, and compare to how soldiers are taken care of in the present day.