O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War

by Robert Burleigh, Sterling Hundley (Illustrator)

This beautifully illustrated children’s book explores how Walt Whitman was affected by the Civil War and inspired by President Lincoln.O Captain, My Captain tells the story of one of America’s greatest poets and how he was inspired by one of America’s greatest presidents. Whitman and Lincoln shared the national stage in Washington, DC, during the Civil War. Though the two men never met, Whitman would often see Lincoln’s carriage on the road. The president was never far from the poet’s mind, and Lincoln’s “grace under pressure” was something Whitman returned to again and again in his poetry. Whitman witnessed Lincoln’s second inauguration and mourned along with America as Lincoln’s funeral train wound its way across the landscape to his final resting place. The book includes the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” and an excerpt from “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” as well as brief bios of Lincoln and Whitman, a timeline of Civil War events, endnotes, and a bibliography.

Genres: History, Poetry, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Biography, Historical, Childrens

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

Over the past 35 years, I have published poems, reviews, essays, many filmstrips and videos, and more than 40 children's picture books.

Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!

In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.

-from robertburleigh.com

Reviews

[Andria Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical references, good artwork and included two poems by Walt Whitman. 5 ⭐!

[Rebecca is book-hooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is phenomenal!

[Elaina Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartrending reflections on Walt Whitman’s hands-on care and concern for soldiers wounded and killed in the Civil War, as well as his poignant love and admiration for Abraham Lincoln. A remarkable artistic bio with evocative artwork detailing the circumstances in which Whitman wrote his iconic “O Captain...” poem. Middle school and above content.

[Brooks Dreyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not large in content but rich in details I never knew. Has mevthirsting for more about Walt Whitman.
I’ll admit to venturing off to read some of his Poetry praising Abraham Lincoln.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark story of war, slavery, and death shot through with a glowing thread of idealism and service. After recently reading both Live Oak, with Moss and The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of an Extraordinary Life I feel somewhat steeped in this war-torn time period. Thinking about all of these extraordinary ordinary men - Douglass, Whitman, and Lincoln - is overwhelming. There was so much tragedy, and of course, so much good being done.

This story looks at Whitman's role during the U.S. Civil War. He never picked up a weapon, but offered comfort and humanity to the injured and dying. This is typically a role associated with feminine sensibilities, but here it is celebrated as the compassionate service it was. And truly, Whitman is portrayed as profoundly empathetic toward the soldiers as well as toward Lincoln, whom he never seemed to meet but nonetheless felt a great connection. After Lincoln's assassination, Whitman steps up as the nation's mourner-in-chief. This story inspired me to download Leaves of Grass, and we'll see if how it goes.

The illustrations have a depth and darkness that manages to convey both the horrors of war (and nineteenth century medicine) as well as the soft empathy of Whitman. They really are beautiful.

Michigan author.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very educational book but also very very long. I wonder what age range this is marketed towards.

These are the parts that stood out to me. The illustrations did not really stand out to me.

P17
“If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong,” the president once said, adding, “I cannot remember when I did not so think, and feel.”

P20
… Walt was astonished to find many of the soldiers jaunty and high-spirited. In a strange way, the tragedies they had witnessed had somehow liberated them. They had been, Walt wrote, “sifted by death.”

P22
Canal filled with writing, stinking garbage. And rising above everything, the unfinished dome of the capitol building, still covered with scaffolding – a symbol of a nation divided an incomplete.
—
On the first day of 1863, he had signed the emancipation proclamation, freeing the slaves. “If I have not done anything else in my life, “the president said, “I have done this.”

P27
“ what I give I give out of myself.”
—
P30
“I laugh, “the president said once, “because I must not cry. That is all, that is all. “

P32
Walt often found that a soldier wanted no more than to talk quietly, to hear a friendly voice, to feel a hand shake his hand, to have a pillow turned. Each soldier mattered: “everyone of these cots has its history – every case is a tragic poem, an epic, a romance, a pensive and absorbing book, if it were only written. “

P34
As he wrote to one bereaved parent, “[your son was] one of the thousands of our unknown American young men in the ranks about whom there is no record or fame… But I find in them the real precious and royal ones of this land. “

P64
How artist drew: I use a variety of materials to create my illustrations. Each begins with a drawing, and traditional materials and ends with a bit of digital painting. Greenleaf and blueberry watercolors, Daler-Rowney, FW inks, and cryla acrylics, and Photoshop.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN teaches us more about Walt Whitman's life and his time spent during the Civil War. To him, Lincoln was the president the US needed with all of the slavery and corruption spreading through the streets. He even caught glimpses of the president here and there and it brought joy to his heart. However, he could see that war was taking a toll on Lincoln as much as the soldiers.

When his brother gets injured, Walt travels to the camp he's residing in to visit. He could never raise a sword or a gun to another person, yet he found himself lingering among the wounded. Even though there wasn't much he could do, he couldn't leave them. So, he visited the wounded and stood at their side, giving them company.

"O Captain, My Captain" has always been one of my favorite poems, but after learning about it's relevance to Abraham Lincoln gives it a whole new meaning. I must admit that after reading this book and then reading the poem in the back of the book, tears sprung to my eyes to stream down my face. Abraham was Walt's captain and even though the civil war was won, his captain had been killed. O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN takes us into the Civil War through the eyes of a poet who loves each man and woman equally and it will touch your heart.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of history, the Civil War era, war, Abraham Lincoln, and poetry.

This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsno...

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The famous historical poem “O Captain, My Captain” is Walt Whitman’s tragic ode to the fallen President Lincoln at the end of the Civil War. However, the focus of this book by Robert Burleigh appropriately reflects on the events and time that drew Whitman to liken Lincoln to a ship captain. Looking much like an old sea captain himself, Walt served during the bloody war as a nurse, compatriot, and witness. Providing relief to the wounded and hope to the troops brought a new perspective to Whitman’s writing. Burleigh uses short observations mixed with direct quotes to narrate; meanwhile, Sterling Hundley provides enhanced full page watercolors to set the mood and reality of the wartime era. With valuable endpages about each man (who never actually met!) and the full famous poem, O Captain, My Captain is fearful trip that many young history buffs may never forget.

THOUGHTS: Though this doesn’t count as a biography or a poetry book, it would hopefully lead readers to explore both for more about Whitman and Lincoln’s fascinating lives. The text was also honest in the fact that neither man was perfect and held beliefs of the time toward slavery and equlity, while also pushing these ideals forward. In some small group settings, this would make for an excellent conversation starter or opinion writing piece.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, dense text, engagingly written non-fiction look at the Walt Whitman poem and how it weaves through the events of Lincoln’s presidency and the civil war. It is part history, part biography, part poetic analysis, and the illustrations alone are worth the price of admission. All four of those elements stay balanced from start to finish. A truly wonderful book for readers of all ages who have an interest in one (or all) of the topics. Personal suggestion: you may want to skip first to the back and read the poem quickly through once and then start at the beginning.

[Emily Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could be an elem or MS read- pretty graphic on the horrors of war, but honestly that's probably something we need to be reminded of when faced with pro-war propaganda everywhere we turn. I love that it didn't shy away from the fact that the Civil War was fought because some states wanted to keep other humans as slaves, and it also mentioned that Whitman and Lincoln both held racist views. An excellent read with striking prose that I enjoyed- a great introduction to classic lit for younger readers.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book, full of heart wrenching poetry and incredible illustrations! O Captain, My Captain is the story of Walt Whitman and his work, inspired by Abraham Lincoln as well as Whitman’s time in field hospitals helping wounded soldiers. Lincoln touched many, and Whitman especially grieved the death of the president. I haven’t read much Whitman, but am curious now. I read this book with my 8th grade son, as well as The Red Badge of Courage, while we’ve been studying the Civil War together.

[Aviann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t quite call this a picture book, yet I can’t call it a chapter book either. Regardless it is a well-researched, well-executed, well-illustrated account of the association of Walt Whitman and Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Certainly the intended audience seems to be older elementary children. Walt Whitman is a favorite poet, and I loved learning a bit more about him. Time to reread Leaves of Grass.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio. It is short, and very well read. IT tells of Walt Whitman, and his time during the Civil War. He visited hospitals and helped the wounded and dying in whatever ways he could. It also focuses on his interest in Lincoln. Whitman's poetry is dispersed throughout the book. His two poems specifically about Lincoln are at the end. I really enjoyed it - and it makes me want to check out more of his poetry.

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My hipster English professor always preached a hippy Whitman. This period, and his letters, were passed over in a sentence in our class. I like this Whitman better. Not that he wasn't ahead of his time in some ways. But there's more to him than just that.

This book bowled me over. The grim, shadowy, sometimes symbolically expressive illustrations combined with the text and bleakness of our political landscape right now... it was a powerful combination. And the melodramatic Dead Poets Society doesn't hurt. 🤣

[Gps · Rating 5 out of 5]

a magnificent book. beautifully told, wonderfully and thoughtfully illustrated...quite moving.

I was not aware of the potential for Whitman and Lincoln to cross paths, but, given the population of Washington at that time, it is quite likely.

an excellent historical and biographical introduction to both pillars of American society

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

O Captain, My Captain teaches the dark parts of the civil war from Walt Whitman’s perspective and how he found his call to help the soldiers. Lines of Whitman’s poetry are sprinkled throughout along with his admiration for President Lincoln. The is a great book for middle grade to learn a different perspective of the Civil War.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poem I am currently memorizing is "Oh, Captain, My Captain"by Walt Whitman. Therefore, I was very excited when I happened to find this book by chance. My husband had given me an Amazon gift certificate for Christmas so that gave me a good excuse to buy it. It is an absolutely beautiful book. I became teary eyed a number of times as I learned more about both Walt Whitman and Pres Lincoln.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the events that inspired Walt Whitman's poem, "Oh Captain, My Captain". I enjoyed learning more about this famous poet and what he did during this turbulent time in our nations history, the Civil War. It made me want to become more familiar with his poetry. I was already familiar with this poem but didn't know the history behind why it was written.

[Rebecca Plaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parallel lives-Lincoln and Whitman. Where else have lives touched in history to influence another? Certainly each of us has a life touched by a leader or celebrated individual. Who is the reader for this book? Fans of poetry? Lincoln? Both!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique look at Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, and the Civil War. I love O Captain, My Captain and found this illustrated book informative and interesting. I’m not sure how many of my students will be checking it out, but if you like history, Abraham Lincoln, or Whitman, it is worth a quick read!

[Samantha Mairson-Dougherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling joint narrative of Lincoln and Whitman. Slow to start with text layout and contrast that comes across a bit thick, or hard to read. Captivating cover art and many great interior illustrations. Excellent historical roots, research and excerpted poetry. Best for grades 6+

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Whitman's nursing of wounded soldiers and inspiration from Abraham Lincoln are beautifully and dramatically recounted through Burleigh's lyrical prose and Sterling Hundley's arresting mixed-media illustrations.

[Kristin Yourdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired both Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman, so this book was extremely interesting. Though Lincoln and Whitman never actually met, this novel shows how their lives were affected by the events of the Civil War.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio while I read the book, which proved better than doing either alone. The mixed media of drawings, music in the background of the reader, and poetic reading style made it a short, enjoyable experience.

[Carol Stump · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing illustrated nonfiction about two of America’s most dramatic and heroic personalities Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman, who lived and worked at the same time in Washington during the civil war years. This is centered on Whitman’s life and his work in the war hospitals and how his famous poems O Captain, My Captain and When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d were written to honor Lincoln. Poems included. Beautiful artwork. Poetry is all the more enjoyable with its history and circumstances. Great for teaching children poetry, Walt Whitman, civil war, and Abraham Lincoln.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be fantastic in a history or English class paired with other works by Whitman and lessons on President Lincoln.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting examination of the poet's admiration for the president. Unfortunate background choices sometimes made reading the text very difficult.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cool. Free verse story of Walt Whitman and how his story intertwined with Abe Lincoln and the Civil War.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and powerful

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned quite a bit from this big kids book about Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and their relationship.