Review for "Walt Whitman: Words for America"

Bibliography: Kerly, Barbara. Ill. Selznick, Brian. 2009. Walt Whitman: Words for America. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9-780439-357913

Critical Analysis

Just as Whitman's poetry exulted his being without cloying arrogance, so to does this short, illustrated biography of him. The author chose to focus largely on Whitman's involvement with the soldiers during the civil war and his feelings surrounding Lincoln and his assassination. In doing so, we are given a sweeter picture of the poets motivation, a deeper understanding of the man who sang a song of himself. After reading this short biography, the reader feels truly that Whitman sang from a love of all humanity, and served as all great artists do, as both mirror and candle.

Both author and illustrators notes at the end of the text show the deep level of research that was put into this book. For instance, Selznick writes that he visited Walt's birth home, a reconstructed house where Walt may have lived, photos of Walt held by the Brooklyn library, visited the last house Walt ever lived in, visited an old printing press, and on and on . . . it is clear that thorough research was done for this short, but inspirational and remarkable book.

The book follows a biographical style, with a storyline to ease readers along. Poignant excerpts of Whitman's poetry are featured alongside, and within the storyline, as well as excerpts of letters. All poetry and letter excerpts are taken from the appropriate time of Walt's life - to match the storyline.

This joy-filled, reverent story of Walt Whitman's life will deepen readers understanding of this amazing, spirited man.
Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: "Libraries will want to add this unabashedly glowing tribute as well for the infectious zeal both author and illustrator bring to their subject and his writings, excerpts of which can be found woven seamlessly into the text and the art."

Publishers Weekly: "With a lyricism and an ardor that echoes Whitman's own, Kerley writes of his passion for both language and for "rambling".... Selznick's versatile illustrations encompass a stark realism...and surreal whimsy.... Their enthusiasm is convincing and contagious."

Awards
Sibert Honor Book
California Book Award
ALA Notable Book
Best Children's Books - Publishers Weekly
Best Illustrated Book - New York Times

Connections

If conducting a study of the naturalists, or studying Thoreau or Emerson, Whitman's poetry may serve as a good introduction to set the mood.

This particular book lends itself perfectly to a study of the civil war. The study of any war raises issues of ethics and morality - framing the study of a war through the lens of a poet may make an interesting interpretation of war. This book would work well as an introductory tool for the study of a civil war; I would recommend it for students in middle school through high school. Students could be encouraged to keep poetry notebooks and "scribble" about the current conditions of our world, as Walt did.