Walt Whitman: Words for America

August 27, 2009 by Myscha Theriault

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Written by Barbara Kerley. Illustrated by Caldecott honor artist Brian Selznick. Published by Scholastic Press.

First Impressions

A perfect picture book for older children just getting introduced to the life and works of Walt Whitman. This book looks like a present at first glance, with its gilded lettering, cut-out picture frame and Robert F. Sibert silver award medallion. The illustrations are well done, and blend the intimate with the unexpected, and the incidental with the iconic.

Tidbits Learned

Walt Whitman was working as a printer’s apprentice by the age of twelve, and publishing his own newspaper at nineteen. After traveling the country to write poetry celebrating the common everyday people, he because deeply passionate about the Civil War and the suffering of the soldiers. A great deal of his work also focused on them.

Personal Verdict

A well-developed piece worthy of inclusion to any collection or study of Mr. Whitman’s works.

Photo Credit: Scholastic

About the author…. I am a self confirmed life hacker who has used frugal living and personal finance strategies to focus on early retirement, pursue personal business goals, and achieve debt free living.