A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams
on Goodreads (2,584)
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of William Carlos Williams, a poet and doctor who found beauty in the everyday. He wrote poetry about the world around him, from the river he played in as a child to the people he treated as a doctor. When he wrote poems, he felt as free as the Passaic River as it rushed to the falls. Willie’s notebooks filled up, one after another. Willie’s words gave him freedom and peace, but he also knew he needed to earn a living. So he went off to medical school and became a doctor -- one of the busiest men in town! Yet he never stopped writing poetry. In this picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, Jen Bryant’s engaging prose and Melissa Sweet’s stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-18
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired William Carlos Williams to write poems about everyday things?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about the story being told?
Why do you think William chose to be both a doctor and a poet?
What can we learn from William's way of seeing beauty in ordinary things?
How do you think writing poems helped William in his life?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the themes to your child’s everyday experiences to foster a deeper connection.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the book’s illustrations and how it complements the story.
Discuss the balance William maintained between his profession and his passion for poetry, emphasizing the importance of pursuing personal interests.
Point out the ordinary objects around your home or neighborhood and brainstorm how to see them in a poetic way, inspiring creativity.
After reading, encourage your child to try writing a short poem about their day or a favorite object to engage with William Carlos Williams’ style.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence and dedication
Explanation: The story demonstrates William Carlos Williams’ commitment to his passion for writing poetry, despite his professional career as a doctor.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting with their interests and hobbies, even when balancing other responsibilities or schooling.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: Williams' journey highlights how he used poetry as a way to express his thoughts and feelings uniquely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore creative outlets, such as writing, drawing, or music, to express themselves and communicate their perspectives.
Example Lesson: Importance of observation
Explanation: The narrative showcases how Williams drew inspiration from everyday life and nature, carefully observing his surroundings to fuel his poetry.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more observant and appreciative of their environment, finding beauty and inspiration in daily experiences.
Example Lesson: Following one’s passion
Explanation: The book portrays Williams' determination to pursue poetry passionately, alongside his medical career, underlining his deep love for writing.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of identifying and nurturing their passions, regardless of the career paths they eventually choose.
Example Lesson: Balancing multiple roles
Explanation: Williams exemplifies managing dual careers as a physician and a poet, successfully integrating his professional life and personal passion.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of time management and setting priorities, preparing them for handling multiple roles in their future.