BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara. 2004. Walt Whitman: Words for America. Ill. Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 9780439357913.
PLOT SUMMARY
This biography tells the story of Walt Whitman’s life from childhood through the Civil War, and the experiences that inspired his writing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book begins with Walt’s early years as a printer's apprentice in Brooklyn, where his love of words was born. By the age of 19, Walt was writing and printing his own newspaper. Forever a free and curious spirit he was an avid reader and would run the beaches reciting Shakespeare. He talked constantly with people and carefully recorded his observations in homemade notebooks. He was devastated by his country divided and also compelled to serve, Walt nursed every soldier he could-Union & Confederate, black & white. “By getting to know them and sharing many intense and affecting experiences, he began to see a greater life purpose: His writing gave these men a voice.” Through his writing about these experiences he achieved his greatest aspiration--to capture the true spirit of America.
This is a brilliant historical account of Walt Whitman's contribution to America. The historical information is detailed and accurate, but keeps a dynamic pace so that young readers remain engaged. Kerley manages a simple but revealing account of a very complex man. Whitman's eloquent voice resonates across the pages through quotes from his correspondence, and the bountiful journal entries he kept in little notebooks. Brian Selznick's paintings portray every detail of the textures and materials of the 19th century world in which the poet lived. In his notes Selznick describes his travels to Walt’s home, holding his belongings, and studied portraits of the man to learn about his subject. His research experiences found their way into his illustrations. The art is exceptional. It adds to the reading experience through the intricate details and realistic representation of the era.
My favorite illustration in this book is the collection of portraits of Civil War soldiers. Each portrait is based on an actual photo of a real soldier, and the one portrait in color is really Whitman's brother George. Each painting captures the expression of the soldiers; some of them are very young! Selznick talks about this painting in his notes: “I found an indispensable book called The Civil War… I discovered an actual spread of photographs of young soldiers arranged in rows just like I had imagined… I used it as reference for my book.” He also mentions the picture where Walt and his brother are reunited in the hospital; he left out the holes dug underneath the tents where the wounded would crawl to stay warm.
In the end of the book, additional biographical facts are provided, along with a full bibliography. This section talks about his personal life and beliefs not included in the main story: his connections to President Lincoln, his ailing health, his intense compassion for the human experience. This final section removes any doubts as to the research and dedication that the authors put into the integrity of their story. Additional insight into Whitman’s life is provided through the authors’ notes telling their inspirations and experiences writing the book. Finally, the full text of poems cited in the story, a wonderful end to a remarkable book.
REVIEW EXCERPT
"An exuberant picture-book biography that focuses on Whitman's formative years and his selfless work as a Civil War nurse. Delightfully old-fashioned in design, its oversized pages are replete with graceful illustrations and snippets of poetry. The brilliantly inventive paintings add vibrant testimonial to the nuanced text."-School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS
Walt wanted to capture the spirit of America in his poems. As a class, brainstorm what ideas and objects best represent the spirit of America. Then invite students to write their own poems about America.
Learn more about Whitman online:
http://www.whitmanarchive.org/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ihas/poet/whitman.html
AWARDS:
Sibert Honor BookCalifornia Book AwardBest Book Award -- Oppenheim Toy PortfolioALA Notable BookBest Children's Books -- Publishers WeeklyBest Illustrated Books -- New York Times100 Titles for Reading and Sharing -- New York Public LibraryNominated for Young Reader Awards in Kentucky, New Mexico, and Tennessee
http://www.barbarakerley.com/Walt.html
No comments:
Post a Comment