Walt Whitman: Words for America

The pioneering team that brought you Caldecott Honor Book The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins lends their vision, flair, and unique style to Walt Whitman--poet, American icon, Civil War hero.

Did you know that poet Walt Whitman was also a Civil War nurse? Devastated by his country dividing and compelled to service by his brother's war injury, Walt nursed all soldiers--Union and Confederate, black and white. By getting to know them through many intense and affecting experiences, he began to see a greater life purpose: His writing could give these men a voice, and in turn, achieve his highest aspiration--to capture the true spirit of America. Dramatic, powerful, and deeply moving, this consummate portrait of Whitman will inspire readers to pick up their pens and open their hearts to humanity.

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 10/01/2004
Pages: 56
Weight: 1.17lbs
Size: 12.16h x 9.28w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9780439357913
Age: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.4
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 82893 / Walt Whitman: Words for America


Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Honor Book
Award: Parents Choice Award (Fall) (1998-2007) - Winner
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 09/15/2004 pg. 915
Publishers Weekly 10/18/2004 pg. 64
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2004 pg. 729
School Library Journal 11/01/2004 pg. 166
New York Times 11/14/2004 pg. 36
Kirkus Review - Children 12/01/2004 pg. 1145
Booklist 11/15/2004 pg. 575
Kirkus Best Books 12/15/2004 pg. 1
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2004 pg. 45
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2005 pg. 255
ALA Notable Children's Books 02/15/2005 pg. 1018
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2005 pg. 158 - Superior,Well Above Average
School Library Journal 04/01/2005 pg. 55

About the Author
Brian Selznick's books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and been translated into more than 35 languages. He broke open the novel form with his innovative and genre-defying thematic trilogy, beginning with the Caldecott Medal-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning movie Hugo. He followed that with the #1 New York Times bestseller, Wonderstruck, adapted into the eponymous movie by celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes, with a screenplay by Selznick, and the New York Times bestseller, The Marvels. Selznick's two most recent books for young people, Baby Monkey, Private Eye, co-written with his husband David Serlin, and Kaleidoscope, a New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2021, were both New York Times bestsellers as well. He also illustrated the 20th anniversary edition covers of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Selznick and Serlin divide their time between Brooklyn, New York and La Jolla, California. Learn more at thebrianselznick.com and mediaroom.scholastic.com/brianselznick.
Barbara Kerley is a two-time Sibert Honoree and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree whose award-winning biographies include What to Do About Alice?, The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy), Those Rebels, John & Tom, and A Home for Mr. Emerson, all illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham; Tigers & Tea with Toppy, illustrated by Matte Stephens; and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins and Walt Whitman: Words for America, illustrated by Brian Selznick. Kerley's books have all been praised for their lively prose, meticulous research, and artistic presentation style. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit her online at barbarakerley.com.