Walt Whitman: Words for America

Bibliographic Data: 

 

Kerley, Barbara. 2004. Walt Whitman: Words for America. Ill. Selznick, Brian. New York: Scholastic Press.

ISBN 9780439357913

Plot Summary:

Most of us probably know Walt Whitman for his poetry. However, his involvement with the Civil War might be somewhat unknown to many. The book Walt Whitman: Words for America presents children with a simple story of Walt Whitman’s life and poetry, particularly focusing on his strong emotions against the civil war and his love for America. The book begins by focusing on Whitman’s influences and passion for what makes America great, including its landscape and people. With the Civil War dividing the nation, Whitman sees America differently. He begins to devote his time caring for the wounded soldiers and comforting the dying. His poetry begins to reflect what America is enduring during this time period and captures Whitman’s compassion for his country and fellow man.

Critical Analysis:

Walt Whitman: Words for America is made up of simple and clear text, with vibrant illustrations throughout. An additional author’s note, illustrator's note and sources section is included. The design is visually appealing and the text readable without being overwhelming to the younger reader. Kerley presents the information concerning Whitman’s life in a straightforward manner and includes brief, applicable poem excerpts. Selznick enhances each stage of the book, presenting colorful illustrations with meaningful content. The text follows a story-telling approach that is interesting and informative.

Walt Whitman’s empathy towards America and the people who have helped shape the country is an evident theme throughout the book. Whitman’s sympathy for the soldiers suffering during the Civil War is a great example of how Kerely emphasizes this throughout a large portion of the writing. One example in particular being his devotion to those dying: “…he sometimes stayed in the hospital late into the evening, keeping close but quiet company so that a young soldier would not have to die alone.” Whitman was also known to write letters to the families of those he comforted before death. A letter is included in the story and is a strong testament to Whitman’s devotion to his country.

Awards:

New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year, 2004

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor, 2005

 

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus, September 2004:

“A cultural force rendered with power and immediacy for a new generation.”

 

School Library Journal, Starred Review:

“Libraries will want to add this unabashedly glowing tribute as well for the infectious zeal both author and illustrator bring to their subject and his writings, excerpts of which can be found woven seamlessly into the text and the art.”

 

Connections:

*There is an excerpt within the text of the poem O Captain! My Captain! The complete poem is located in the back of the book. Have students read the full version and talk about the individual lines and how they compare with Lincoln’s assassination.

*Other works about Walt Whitman and books showcasing his poetry:

Levin, Jonathan. Poetry for Young People: Walt Whitman. Ill. Burke, Jim. ISBN 9781402754777

Whitman, Walt. When I heard the Learn’d Astronomer. Ill. Long, Loren. ISBN 9780689863974

Inside the Alamo

Bibliographic Data: 

 

Murphy, Jim. 2003. Inside the Alamo. New York: Delacorte Press.

ISBN 9780385325745

Plot Summary:

There are many myths and tales associated with the fall of the Alamo. Inside the Alamo does a thorough job of debunking many of the myths passed down and confirms those truths associated with the key figures affiliated with the famous battle. The book begins with the first day of battle between Mexican and Texan forces, Texans being very outnumbered. Murphy's historical account progresses in a storytelling fashion to describe the events and people involved.  

Critical Analysis:

The attack on the Alamo unfolds slowly over the seven chapters highlighting each important event and the figures associated with the battle along the way. Murphy does a great job telling the story of the Alamo while incorporating accurate historical information. The Notes and Bibliography section at the end of the book provide the reader with detailed account of where the information and facts originate. The design allows for a visual and clear reading complete with black and white paintings, primary sources, biographical profiles, and quick facts in the margins. Murphy’s storytelling approach enhances the historical aspect and makes the reading enjoyable and memorable rather than textbook bland.

Murphy describes many possible theories to the details of the Alamo. Though some are highly controversial in the eyes of many historians, Murphy does a great job balancing the possible and the impossible. For example, the death of Jim Bowie is explored and four theories are given. Murphy agrees with most historians in concluding Jim Bowie’s life with a quote from his mother: “So Jim is dead? I’ll wager they found no wounds in his back”. There is no definite answer to many questions like how Jim Bowie died, however Inside the Alamo gives relevant arguments and circumstances in order for the reader to formulate and an opinion and understanding.  

Review Excerpt(s):

Booklist, Starred Review:

”…not only a valuable addition to American history units but also a great introduction to the historical writing method.”

 

School Library Journal, 2003:

“Murphy gives it his best shot and the result is an absorbing, interpretive, highly readable account of a two-week period in American history in which a couple of hundred independent Texans (Anglo Texians and Hispanic Tejanos) played a major role in U.S. expansionism.”

 

Connections:

* This is a great document full of activities to correspond with the reading of Inside the Alamo:

http://www.thealamo.org/resources/4thGrade.pdf

*Other books about the Alamo:

Garland, Sherry. Voices of the Alamo. Ill. Himler, Ronald. ISBN 9781589802223    

Lemon, Mark. The Illustrated Alamo 1836: A Photographic Journey. ISBN 9781933337180

Jakes, John. Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story. Ill. Bacon, Paul. ISBN 9780152005955

 

 

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Bibliographic Data: 

 

Sweet, Melissa. 2011. Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.

ISBN 9780547199450

Plot Summary:

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a tradition in many households across America. Balloons over Broadway takes the reader through the history of the Macy’s parade, specifically focusing on the creator of its iconic balloons.  Anthony “Tony” Frederick Sarg began his career as a puppeteer at an early age, progressing puppet design and ultimately creating the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade that we know today. The book begins with Sarg’s childhood and follows his progression as a marionette performer and puppet maker. He is petitioned by R.H. Macy’s department store to create puppets for the store’s holiday windows and eventually is asked to create a parade for the employees of Macy’s. The parade begins to grow in popularity and Sarg’s puppet designs evolve into the balloons that are still used in the parade to date.

Critical Analysis:

With the use of vibrant colors and various materials utilized for illustration, Balloons over Broadway composes the perfect progression of Tony Sarg’s artistic approach to puppet making and the many inventions that lead to the creation of the giant balloons that make up the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Sweet provides the reader with a well-organized and accurate account of the parade’s creation. She provides an interesting note with additional facts and a thorough bibliography including sources and quotations. The story is organized sequentially beginning with the reader being introduced to an inventive 6 year old with a passion for creativity.  Sweet incorporates several visual aids including drawings of designs and diagrams of the thought processes associated with Sarg’s inventions.

Not only is the story one that is interesting and enjoyable, but the overall design is phenomenal.  Sweet incorporates various mixed media including cloth cut outs, tiny dolls, buttons,  and thread among other materials and colorful illustrations. There is a definite correlation between the author’s visionary style and the inventions she is describing. Balloons over Broadway is a fantastic example of how history can be fun and colorful.

Awards:

                               Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2012

                                          Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner, 2012

 

Review Excerpt(s):

Booklist, Starred Review, 2011:
“A joyous piece of nonfiction that informs and delights in equal parts.”

 

Kirkus, Starred Review, 2011:

“This clever marriage of information and illustration soars high.”

 

School Library Journal, Starred Review, 2011:

“Sweet tells this slice of American history well, conveying both Sarg’s enthusiasm and joy in his work as well as the drama and excitement of the parade. . .This one should float off the shelves."

 

Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review, 2011:

“Tony Sarg, the man who invented the giant balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, has found a worthy biographer in Caldecott Honoree Sweet. The rush that comes from inspiration, the cliffhanger moments of creation, the sheer joy of building something and watching it delight the multitudes—Sweet captures it all in what is truly a story for all ages"

 

Connections:

* Create your own puppets. Include various materials that are in the book. Use cloth, buttons, sticks, and other fun materials. Here are some websites for making puppets:

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/puppets.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5022557_make-hand-puppets-children.html

http://www.ateachermom.com/2012/06/22/10-homemade-puppets-that-will-make-any-kid-play-creative/

* Portable Document Format (PDF) with lots of activities and ideas to correspond with Balloons over Broadway:

http://www.hmhbooks.com/kids/resources/BalloonsOverBroadway_ActivityKit.pdf

*Other books that pair well with Balloons over Broadway:

Corey, Shana. Milly and the Macy’s Parade. Ill. Helquist, Brett. ISBN 9780439297554   

Pease, Pamela Macy’s on Parade: A Pop-Up Celebration of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. ISBN 9780966943320