Walt Whitman: Words for America

Bibliography

Kerley, Barbara. 2004. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439357918.

Plot Summary

This picture book bibliography follows the life of the famous American poet Walt Whitman from his early childhood in Brooklyn, to his experiences during the Civil War. Whitman’s early experience with the printing press sparked his love of the printed word, and led him to create his own writing. It began with articles contributed to the local paper, then to a paper all his own, and eventually the poetry he is so well known for. This particular biography focuses on Whitman’s experiences with the civil war, and how it affected him personally, as well as artistically. Whitman’s civil war experience began as his younger brother George was wounded in the field of battle. Whitman searched for his injured brother, and once he found him to be safe, he spent time with the soldiers, and found a very special place in his heart for these soldiers, and committed himself to help in any way he could. He spent time simply keeping injured soldiers in D.C. company as they recovered, or passed away. This experience shaped much of Whitman’s most memorable poetry.

Critical Analysis

This book is made up of beautiful double page spreads combining illustration, text, and Whitman’s poetry. The author’s ability to make the historical elements interesting and easy to read is impressive, as well as the accuracy of the accounts. The Illustrations truly match the text, and enhance the meaning and understanding of the text. For example the poem “ O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love…” is set within illustrations of wounded soldiers who Whitman was close with during his aide at the hospital, making the poetry even more meaningful. The Author, as well as the Illustrator, clearly devoted much time to researching the subject, and forming an understanding of his experiences during the Civil War. This is truly an engaging biography.

Review Excerpt

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”

Connections

Share poetry by Walt Whitman:
LEAVES OF GRASS: The Original 1855 Edition. ISBN 0486456765
DRUM-TAPS. ISBN 1110441398