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Poetry for Young People
Walt Whitman: Poetry for Young People
"An outstanding introduction to Whitman's life and work. A biographical sketch and a description of the time period...preface this collection of 26 poems and excerpts. Levin... introduces each selection with pertinent information about its relevance to a larger work, its relationship to Whitman's beliefs, or the symbolism within it... selections are thought provoking, descriptive, and full of emotion. Burke's pastel drawings add to the feelings...and to the emotional impact of each poem...This superb volume can be used to teach literature or to show a variety of poetic devices and style."--School Library Journal. 48 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
About the author
Walt Whitman
1,653 books5,499 followersWalter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American literature. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 20, 2022
I really like how this poetry book is presented. Not only do the illustrations enhance the comprehension, but I also appreciate how each poem has a quick introduction of what the poem was written about along with listed vocabulary terms for difficult words.
This would be a nice introduction to Whitman poetry for middle aged to adults to enjoy. I just can’t say that I loved the actual poetry. I can appreciate it for what it is, but it just isn’t poetry that I gravitate too.
Five stars for how the poetry was presented.
Three stars for my personal enjoyment of the selected poetry.
This would be a nice introduction to Whitman poetry for middle aged to adults to enjoy. I just can’t say that I loved the actual poetry. I can appreciate it for what it is, but it just isn’t poetry that I gravitate too.
Five stars for how the poetry was presented.
Three stars for my personal enjoyment of the selected poetry.
February 17, 2018
My rating might possibly be a bit harsh. But consider: I've read other introductions to Whitman that I enjoyed more & learned more from; I have read many from this series, and this one just doesn't have the impact on me that the others have, and though the illustrator took care, it doesn't seem to me that he really felt in his heart what he should have been trying to express as the pictures seem prompted by literal or at least obvious interpretations with no spark.
I will however certainly continue to read through, and heartily recommend, the entire series of Poetry for Young People.
I will however certainly continue to read through, and heartily recommend, the entire series of Poetry for Young People.
December 2, 2008
A nicely illustrated introduction to the classic poetry of Walt Whitman.
Ages 10-16
I hate to disagree with classics but I found the majority of this book to be tedious to read silently to myself, I cannot imagine having a sit down read aloud with a small child of this entire volume, front to back. I appreciate the premise behind this book as a way of introducing the beauty of this classic poetry, however, I would argue that these poems need to be appreciated one or two at a time for a young child. The subject matters are sometimes abstract and the language from a different time. For example, the poem "To a Locomotive in Winter," is about trains, which is always a hit with younger children. However, the first line is "Thee for my recitative," and the third, "Thee in thy panoply," and while I think a young child might appreciate the lyrical nature of the words, they would have difficulty deciphering a meaning. Most children in the preoperational stage are focused on learning meaning from less abstract ideas than the ones presented in some of the poems. Furthermore, the poems "A Man's Body at Auction and "Did you Read in the Seabooks" are downright violent and are dealing with the subjects or war and slavery. Those can be heavy topics for some children. There are some more concrete poems included, such as "I Hear America Singing," and "On the Beach at Night." In fact, on the Beach at Night is perfect for a young child.
The illustrations are pleasant, full paged and fit nicely with the poems. Also included in the back is a lovely biography of the poet. I would include this volume in my collection as the historical nature including the American History topics of the poems, combined with the classic nature, make it valuable. However, I would read the poems myself before sharing with a child to make sure the subject matter was appropriate to their developmental level and I would introduce the poems a few at a time, not as a sit down, cover to cover read. The other use for this book would be for an older child, however, the presentation as a picture book makes it appear as if it was for a younger child and that might be a turn-off to a tween aged child, who I think this would be best for.
Because of this, I'm having trouble placing an age range for this item. The look of it is for a younger child, while the contents are for a young teen.
School Library Journal
An outstanding introduction to Whitman's life and work. This collection of 26 poems and excerpts from longer poems is prefaced by a biographical sketch and a description of the time period. Students will be impressed by the poet's daring departure from traditional metered and rhyming poetry. Levin guides readers into understanding the importance of Whitman's oeuvre. He introduces each selection with pertinent information about its relevance to a larger work, its relationship to Whitman's beliefs, or the symbolism within it. Words that students might find difficult are defined at the bottom of the page. Beginning with the patriotic "I Hear America Singing," the collection includes excerpts from "Song of Myself," "O Captain! My Captain!," poems from Leaves of Grass, and a variety of other selections that are thought-provoking, descriptive, and full of emotion. Burke's pastel drawings add to the feelings Levin describes, and to the emotional impact of each poem. Several illustrations are historical in nature; others reflect ordinary lives and activities of the times. Still others show Whitman's sense of the miracles and mysticism of life. This superb volume can be used to teach literature or to show a variety of poetic devices and style. Students who have been taught to appreciate poetry will enjoy it on their own.--Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC
I like her description of using this book as a teaching tool. That is how I see it, rather than a purely pleasurable book, unless your child is really into classic poetry. The poems are very thought provoking and fun to interpret though, I do agree with that.
Ages 10-16
I hate to disagree with classics but I found the majority of this book to be tedious to read silently to myself, I cannot imagine having a sit down read aloud with a small child of this entire volume, front to back. I appreciate the premise behind this book as a way of introducing the beauty of this classic poetry, however, I would argue that these poems need to be appreciated one or two at a time for a young child. The subject matters are sometimes abstract and the language from a different time. For example, the poem "To a Locomotive in Winter," is about trains, which is always a hit with younger children. However, the first line is "Thee for my recitative," and the third, "Thee in thy panoply," and while I think a young child might appreciate the lyrical nature of the words, they would have difficulty deciphering a meaning. Most children in the preoperational stage are focused on learning meaning from less abstract ideas than the ones presented in some of the poems. Furthermore, the poems "A Man's Body at Auction and "Did you Read in the Seabooks" are downright violent and are dealing with the subjects or war and slavery. Those can be heavy topics for some children. There are some more concrete poems included, such as "I Hear America Singing," and "On the Beach at Night." In fact, on the Beach at Night is perfect for a young child.
The illustrations are pleasant, full paged and fit nicely with the poems. Also included in the back is a lovely biography of the poet. I would include this volume in my collection as the historical nature including the American History topics of the poems, combined with the classic nature, make it valuable. However, I would read the poems myself before sharing with a child to make sure the subject matter was appropriate to their developmental level and I would introduce the poems a few at a time, not as a sit down, cover to cover read. The other use for this book would be for an older child, however, the presentation as a picture book makes it appear as if it was for a younger child and that might be a turn-off to a tween aged child, who I think this would be best for.
Because of this, I'm having trouble placing an age range for this item. The look of it is for a younger child, while the contents are for a young teen.
School Library Journal
An outstanding introduction to Whitman's life and work. This collection of 26 poems and excerpts from longer poems is prefaced by a biographical sketch and a description of the time period. Students will be impressed by the poet's daring departure from traditional metered and rhyming poetry. Levin guides readers into understanding the importance of Whitman's oeuvre. He introduces each selection with pertinent information about its relevance to a larger work, its relationship to Whitman's beliefs, or the symbolism within it. Words that students might find difficult are defined at the bottom of the page. Beginning with the patriotic "I Hear America Singing," the collection includes excerpts from "Song of Myself," "O Captain! My Captain!," poems from Leaves of Grass, and a variety of other selections that are thought-provoking, descriptive, and full of emotion. Burke's pastel drawings add to the feelings Levin describes, and to the emotional impact of each poem. Several illustrations are historical in nature; others reflect ordinary lives and activities of the times. Still others show Whitman's sense of the miracles and mysticism of life. This superb volume can be used to teach literature or to show a variety of poetic devices and style. Students who have been taught to appreciate poetry will enjoy it on their own.--Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC
I like her description of using this book as a teaching tool. That is how I see it, rather than a purely pleasurable book, unless your child is really into classic poetry. The poems are very thought provoking and fun to interpret though, I do agree with that.
March 23, 2013
Summary
This book of poems by Walt Whitman begins with Levin describing Whitman’s life and the subjects he write about in his poems. Whitman loved to travel and write about the common everyday people and things he encountered on these travels. During the early stages of his writing, people didn’t have an open mind for the structure and subjects of his works. Reading through the poems gives you the feeling of being with Whitman on his journeys throughout the land. The brightly colored illustrations allow you to picture what he’s talking about and make you feel that you are standing in the time.
Response
I noticed this book appeals to students eagerness to learn by placing statements of what the poem is about before the start of the poems. This makes you interested in wanting to know more about the subject. Often during our reading we run across words we don’t understand and lose interest because we don’t know what the author is talking about. Levin place definitions of words he feel students may not understand right on the page below the poem. The talent of the illustrator’s use of color and detail peaks your curiosity.
Classroom Connection
I would connect this book to a vocabulary lesson. I would have the students write the vocabulary words and definitions at the bottom of each poem on paper. I would give the time to study the words and definitions. Then I would have them write a sentence using each of the words.
Text Complexity
There is not a Lexile measure available for this book, but I would give it a 1050L Lexile measure and a Guided Reading level Z. There is an interest level for 6 – 8 Grades. Students should be able to read by alone by the middle of 6th Grade.
This book of poems by Walt Whitman begins with Levin describing Whitman’s life and the subjects he write about in his poems. Whitman loved to travel and write about the common everyday people and things he encountered on these travels. During the early stages of his writing, people didn’t have an open mind for the structure and subjects of his works. Reading through the poems gives you the feeling of being with Whitman on his journeys throughout the land. The brightly colored illustrations allow you to picture what he’s talking about and make you feel that you are standing in the time.
Response
I noticed this book appeals to students eagerness to learn by placing statements of what the poem is about before the start of the poems. This makes you interested in wanting to know more about the subject. Often during our reading we run across words we don’t understand and lose interest because we don’t know what the author is talking about. Levin place definitions of words he feel students may not understand right on the page below the poem. The talent of the illustrator’s use of color and detail peaks your curiosity.
Classroom Connection
I would connect this book to a vocabulary lesson. I would have the students write the vocabulary words and definitions at the bottom of each poem on paper. I would give the time to study the words and definitions. Then I would have them write a sentence using each of the words.
Text Complexity
There is not a Lexile measure available for this book, but I would give it a 1050L Lexile measure and a Guided Reading level Z. There is an interest level for 6 – 8 Grades. Students should be able to read by alone by the middle of 6th Grade.
September 27, 2012
Walt Whitman was one of the most important and influential writers in American history, and this book is a good way to introduce new readers to his poetry. After the author biography, the first section of the book is mainly Whitman's poems about American society and life. The second portion focuses on his works surrounding the Civil War and the death of Abraham Lincoln, two events that he lived through and affected him as much as they affected the entire country. The last portion is some of his works on nature. The illustrations are soft and colorful, but very realistic, which fits the style of Whitman.
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December 23, 2025Felt very different from previously listened to Donne, Wordsworth, Keats. Distinctly American, in both the timbre of the voice of the man reading the poems and the content. Felt very “ra-ra-America! 🇺🇸🦅”
He was really into the body and death.
Not sure if it was my fave selection of his poems?
He was really into the body and death.
Not sure if it was my fave selection of his poems?
May 11, 2020
I've read four or five of the Poetry for Young People books, and they're all terrific. Each one has a different illustrator, and the pictures really highlight the style of the particular poet and his/her work. I enjoyed this one, and it was nice to re-read some poems I hadn't read in decades. Also, there were a few new ones (well, new for me) which I really enjoyed. "The Artilleryman's Vision" and "The Runaway Slave" were especially powerful. I hope to enjoy more of these poetry collections in the future. They're meant for young readers, but I'm certainly enjoying them myself.
March 2, 2024
We have enjoyed other books in this series far more. I think at a different age, I could have rated the book higher, but at age 10, my children did not like this one. Much of the poetry went over their heads. I could appreciate it as an adult, and probably would have in high school, but as a picture book and an introduction, I thought this would have had poems that worked better for their elementary school age. We will hold on to it and try again in a few years.
October 26, 2024
Good introduction to Walt Whitman’s poetry for children and adults including a short bio and a brief explanation of each poem. Several of these are excerpts from “Song of Myself”. The illustrations are lovely.
I’d not read much Whitman beyond “O, Captain, My Captain”, which is here, and discovered that I’m not drawn to his poetry as much as others poets in this series.
I’d not read much Whitman beyond “O, Captain, My Captain”, which is here, and discovered that I’m not drawn to his poetry as much as others poets in this series.
July 9, 2020
This was the third poetry book I bought to reward myself for memorizing 52 poems. It is another treasure. Not only did I enjoy the poems and illustrations, but I also enjoyed learning more about Walt Witman.
November 8, 2018
I loved Whitman’s style of writing! Really whimsical and beautiful!
June 19, 2019
I like this series for middle school students. Provides enough details about the author and the poems, but it does not tell the students what they have to think.
February 8, 2020
Accessible book for children, including defined vocabulary and backstory for each poem. I love this series!
July 15, 2020
Really enjoyed discussing these with my teen.
January 21, 2023
It is a very easy to use edition with vocabulary defined and an intro/overview before each poem. Whitman nicely captures the voice of the common man.
October 11, 2023
Lovely evocative pictures to accompany the poetry.
May 30, 2024
This is a part of a series, the book is about Walt Whitman and his poetry to undertand about the poetry.
December 4, 2011
Levin, Jonathan. Poetry for Young People, Walt Whitman. Scholastic. 1997. 48 pp. ISBN: 0439375452. Genre: Poetry, Non-fiction, series
Rating: 4.00 Stars. A collection of poems written by Walt Whitman.
Summary: At the beginning of the book, there is a brief summary about Walt Whitman. The remaining of the book is a collection of poems written by Walt Whitman, edited by Jonathan Levin and beautiful pictures illustrated by Jim Burke. Poems also contain a brief summary, giving the setting of when the poem was written, as well as a list of vocabulary word/definitions.
Main Characters: Walt Whitman – author of the poems
Key Issues: Civil War, slavery, poetry, animals
Other interesting information: Nice way to introduce students to poetry.
Rating: 4.00 Stars. A collection of poems written by Walt Whitman.
Summary: At the beginning of the book, there is a brief summary about Walt Whitman. The remaining of the book is a collection of poems written by Walt Whitman, edited by Jonathan Levin and beautiful pictures illustrated by Jim Burke. Poems also contain a brief summary, giving the setting of when the poem was written, as well as a list of vocabulary word/definitions.
Main Characters: Walt Whitman – author of the poems
Key Issues: Civil War, slavery, poetry, animals
Other interesting information: Nice way to introduce students to poetry.
January 22, 2025
Always interesting to mix it up with old poetry. It’s interesting to hear the love of country that Walt Whitman and Mark Twain had woven into their works. I think that and the love of nature must have been a common theme amongst contemporaries since I think Teddy Roosevelt may also have been a contemporary. I would be interested to learn more about Walt as a person to see where some of his perspectives come from. Great detailed descriptions of the body. Thought the way he brought to life their purpose as part of the soul was interesting, although I think he may take that farther to say the body is the soul and I wonder if that’s a confusion of terms with theological implications.
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July 7, 2010While I am an avid reader, I rarely like poetry. This book is a mix of poettry by Walt Whitman. Often it is excerpts of the poems. I tried to find one that I liked and I couldn't. If kids are interested in poetry, I imagine this would be a good book to recommend. It has colorful drawings and it tells what some of the words mean at the bottom of each page. For me though, the most interesting part of the book was the 5 page biography at the beginning of the book.
December 19, 2016
I liked this poetry book. It talked a lot about the past during the Civil War. One of my favorite poems in this book is "O Captain!" "My Captain!". It Talks about the end of the Civil War and that the plan to end slavery was a success. But at the end of every stanza, it say "Where on the deck my captain lies, Fallen cold and dead." This refers to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. I recommend this book to people who love poetry and like to read Walt Whitman's poetry.
November 19, 2007
I don't like Whitman as much as Frost and Dickinson, so that made an impact on my judgment of this book. Like the others in this series, I think a book such as this is a good way to introduce "classic" poems to kids, and the illustrations, although literal, are helpful for comprehension.
September 5, 2008
A good selection of poems from Whitman that children could enjoy. I thought the illustrations matched the style of the poetry. No need to argue Whitman's place in literature although he is probably not my favorite poet.
September 6, 2020
The book performs its job of introducing younger readers to Whitman’s poetry. I wish the editors had focused a bit less on excerpts from his longer poems. The biographical introduction is brief and informative as well.
April 30, 2012
a good selection of poems
and information about the poems explaining them to children
i love the way this series presents the poems with beautiful pictures and explianations
and information about the poems explaining them to children
i love the way this series presents the poems with beautiful pictures and explianations
April 30, 2012
a good selection of poems
and information about the poems explaining them to children
i love the way this series presents the poems with beautiful pictures and explianations
and information about the poems explaining them to children
i love the way this series presents the poems with beautiful pictures and explianations
November 25, 2014
Walt Whitman, another fantastic poet!
December 3, 2015
Poetry - See my review from Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost
Read
April 26, 2017I would use this book to introduce students classic poets. This provides several kid appropriate Walt Whitman poems.
Read
November 20, 2018book full of Walt Whitman poems that are fairly lengthy, but good for older elementary students. Good illustrations as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews