Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
HMH Books for Young Readers (2002), Paperback, 160 pages
Description
Catherine Reef's fascinating, in-depth biography explores the life and character of one of America's greatest poets, incorporating highlights from his writings and photographs of the poet and the America he experienced. In "Leaves of Grass," first published in 1855, Whitman's innovative, free poetic style celebrated nineteenth-century America and himself as one of its citizens. His poems captured the spirit of a time when cities grew rapidly, pioneers and railroads crossed the Great Plains, and the Civil War nearly tore the nation apart. This book combines detailed historical information with Whitman's optimism, love for humanity, and pure joy in living.
User reviews
LibraryThing member pacifickle
This young adult biography of Walt Whitman was wonderful. The nature of young adult biographies allows reasonable depth into a topic without getting too theoretical or complicated. You get some neat facts and a relatively simple timeline. This biography chronicles Walt Whitman's entire life,
Show More
outlining his relationship with each of his family members, his shaky job history, and his numerous revisions of Leaves of Grass, his poetic masterpiece. Walt Whitman showed the world it was okay to not use meter, rhyme or line breaks in his poems. He also showed his acceptance of all races and classes, abolishing slavery, and homosexuality in his poetry. Walt celebrated his love for all humans, all of humanity, for Abe Lincoln, and for the wounded soliders he nursed in the Civil War. This book is inspiring, and shows how Walt Whitman is an inspiration to all Americans. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Notable Children's Book (1996)
Language
Physical description
160 p.; 7.5 inches
ISBN
0618246169 / 9780618246168