Walt Whitman: Words for America
#4 of 2 in New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books (Awards) Series
on Goodreads (301)
What’s inside...
A biography of the American poet Walt Whitman, highlighting his compassionate role as a nurse during the Civil War, where he cared for soldiers from both sides as well as different races. Devastated by the division in his country and inspired by his brother's war injury, Whitman used his experiences with soldiers to fuel his writing, aiming to give them a voice and capture the true spirit of America. This powerful and moving portrait, brought to you by the team behind the Caldecott Honor-winning THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, showcases Whitman as a poet, an American, and a Civil War hero.
Character compass
Walt Whitman
Discussion points
How do you think Walt Whitman felt about America and its people based on his poems?
What kind of images or scenes did the illustrations in the book make you imagine?
Why do you think Walt Whitman wanted to write poems about both ordinary people and important events?
How can words and poems bring people together or change how we see the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their responses to foster a deeper understanding.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual prompt to discuss the different scenes and characters Whitman might be describing in his poems.
Connect the themes of the book to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable for your child.
Ask your child to think of their own words or a short poem about their day or a recent experience, drawing inspiration from Whitman's style.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diversity
Explanation: Through Walt Whitman's journey and the diverse characters he interacts with, the book highlights the beauty and strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: Whitman’s poetry and lifestyle depicted in the book demonstrate how expressing yourself honestly and creatively is empowering.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in artistic activities like writing or drawing to express their feelings and thoughts, boosting their emotional intelligence and creative skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book portrays Whitman’s determination in the face of societal norms and personal challenges, showing how he persevered to share his works.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain persistent and motivated even during difficult times, which is crucial for overcoming personal obstacles and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Value of empathy
Explanation: Whitman’s compassionate actions towards wounded soldiers and his empathetic writing style are prominent in the story.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act kindly and considerately towards others, enhancing their social interactions and understanding of empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of learning from history
Explanation: The depiction of America during Whitman’s time gives insights into historical contexts and events.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and learn more about their own history, fostering a deeper understanding of how the past shapes the present.