Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.
ISBN: 0-439-35791-8 Subjects/Genre: American Poets, Walt Whitman, Picture Books Grades: 5-8
Beautifully rendered mixed media paintings illuminate a biography that explores how the Civil War changed the trajectory of Whitman's life.
Curricular Connections: Could be used by English teachers to instruct on Whitman's life, or by history to talk about how famous Americans were affected by the war.
Q/P: 5/3: The illustrations are exceptional, but the subject matter may not be a big draw for young adults.
BVG, 7/22/09
TOP TEN
Walt Whitman: words for America by Barbara Kerley and Brian Selnick, ill. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.
ISBN: 0439357918
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Media: Mixed media: color pencils, brush and inks.
5Q/3P
Reading level: 5th grade
Curricular connection: Poetry. Poetry can be used at any grade as a writing exercise in self-expression. Visual representation can be used as a curricular connection to incorporate art into the lesson plan. Books that can be used to teach visual poetry include: Blue Lipstick Concrete Poems, A River of Words, Walt Whitman: Words for America, Wabi Sabi, Poke in the I and Popcorn.
Annotation: This book is a biographical account of Walt Whitman, focusing on his youthful experiences as a typesetter and poet. The book also discusses his interest as a Union volunteer during the Civil War. Whitman’s respect for Abraham Lincoln, the Union soldiers and common American people can be found in the poetry of this book.
KRF 6/22/09
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.