Kate's Light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse

by Elizabeth Spires, Emily Arnold McCully (Illustrator)

The heroic true story of one of the Eastern seaboard's first woman lighthouse keepers, illustrated by a Caldecott Medalist.

Living in the isolated Robbins Reef Lighthouse, overlooking turn-of-the-century New York Harbor, Kate Walker spent her life minding the light, keeping passing ships from running aground on the dangerous shoals. Originally the assistant to her lighthouse keeper husband John Walker, after his death Kate convinced the Lighthouse Board that she was able to manage the hard work on her own.

For more than three decades, Kate lived a solitary life, often totally isolated from the mainland by rough seas and dangerous storms. Tending to the lamps and ringing the heavy warning bell, she helped ships avert disaster-- and saved many sailors from the cold, choppy waters when disaster struck.

Elizabeth Spires describes the joys and hardships of a life at sea, detailing pivotal moments in Walker's life to show her indomitable spirit, and celebrates the determination that drove Kate to keep her home and her livelihood. Paired with Emily Arnold McCully's atmospheric, vivid watercolor-and-ink illustrations of lonely lighthouses, sun-dappled afternoons, and wrathful storms, this gripping picture book brings turn of the century New York to life.

Additional material in the back of the book includes a biographical note about Kate Walker, historical photographs of Kate and her home at Robbins Reef Lighthouse, reproductions of an historical map of New York Harbor, and a list of sources for more information.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year
A CCBC Choice

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, New York, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 12, 2021

About the author

Elizabeth Spires is the author of five collections of poetry as well as several books for children. She has been the recipient a Whiting Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Amy Lowell Travelling Poetry Scholarship, and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1998 she received the Witter Bynner Prize for Poetry from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Maryland Author Award from the Maryland Library Association. Her poems have been featured on National Public Radio and have appeared in The New Yorker, American Poetry Review, The New Criterion, and in many anthologies, including Contemporary American Poetry (7th edition) and The New Bread Loaf Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry. She lives in Baltimore with her husband, the novelist Madison Smartt Bell, and their daughter, and is a Professor of English at Goucher College where she holds a Chair for Distinguished Achievement.







Now the Green Blade Rises (2002)

>> read " 'In Heaven It Is Always Autumn' "





Worldling (1995)

>> read "Truro," "Worldling," and "Celia Dreaming"

Also by Elizabeth Spires

- Annonciade
- Swan's Island
- Globe

Editor

The Instant of Knowing: Lectures, Criticism, and Occasional Prose of Josephine Jacobsen

Books for Children

- The Mouse of Amherst
- I Am Arachne
- Riddle Road

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing woman brought to life, out of the shadow of obscurity. Coming from Germany with her young son, knowing no English, she married a man who is a lighthouse keeper. Their final posting will be at Robbins Reef, where Kate becomes his assistant. A lonely place, no amenities, no plumbing, inadequate heating, but they will make a life here. At her husband's death she will be the very first woman keeper. She will save fifty lives and work until she is seventy one.

A beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations by a Caldecott winning artist. A link to watch a video and informaton on this amazing woman. Passing this on to my little Kate.

https://news.uslhs.org/2020/04/09/usl...

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I’m not alone in loving lighthouses, stories set in lighthouses, and I was drawn in initially by the lighthouse illustration on the cover, but when I realized this was based on a real person, the true story of one of the first American women to be in charge of an offshore lighthouse, I was even more intrigued.

This is based on the true story of Kate Kaird, a woman who immigrated to America from Germany along with her son Jacob in 1882 at the age of thirty-four. A widow who understood only a few words of English, she finds work as a cook at the Officers’ Quarters at Fort Hancock, in New Jersey. It is there where she meets John Walker, the lighthouse keeper of Sandy Hook’s lighthouse, he teaches her English, and later, they marry. For a while they live onshore in a house near the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, and life was relatively similar to most others, having a garden, some chickens, access to shopping. Before long, John is promoted, and so they move to Robbins Reef, the offshore lighthouse between Manhattan and Staten Island – without the easy access to things like shopping and school for her son Jacob, as each trip entailed rowing to shore and back to the lighthouse. No electricity. No refrigerator. No hot water from a tap. Water had to be pumped by hand. No indoor plumbing. No telephones. No television. But – they did have books, courtesy of the traveling library, provided on a rotating basis, and exchanged every few months. Mail could take weeks to get to them. This is the story of their lives, and eventually her life on this island as the lighthouse keeper.

This story includes some beautiful illustrations, including one of Currier & Ives Bird’s-Eye View from the Battery, Looking South -1892, and others of the inside of the lighthouse, the black stove that was their only source of heat for the chilly months, but was also used for cooking.

In these days of isolation, this is not only an excellent, beautifully illustrated, wonderful story about an amazing woman as well as life lived in a lighthouse, it is such a welcome perspective on life in isolation now vs. then with so many modern conveniences at most of our fingertips.


Published: 12 Jan 2021


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Margaret Ferguson Books / Holiday House Publishing, Inc. via Edelweiss

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Walker's story is interesting and inspiring, but I didn't feel emotionally involved in the storytelling. I'm glad I read it, though. I think what amazed me most was how isolated Kate and her family were out at the lighthouse, yet they were so near what were big cities at the times (Robbins Reef Lighthouse is between Staten Island and Manhattan). To see the lights of civilization, yet be completely cut off from all the people there during the winter must have been such a remarkable type of loneliness! I've always been amazed at what lighthouse keepers had to endure. Kate's story is no different, yet perhaps somewhat unique in that she kept the light going herself after her husband passed away. I was also astonished at the number of rescues she made! I can't imagine going out in a rowboat in the storm all alone to rescue men tossed into the sea. But, then, I suppose a widow who left Germany with just her young son, barely knowing any English, to seek a better life in America already knew bravery. I'm glad this book is helping young people know her. PS The Author's Note and bibliography etc. in the back are good and worth reading, too. Glad she included two photos of Kate, too.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate's Light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse is a children's picture book written by Elizabeth Spires and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. It highlights the life of Kate Walker, a lighthouse keeper, who happens to be a woman.

Katherine Walker was a German-American lighthouse keeper. Walker tended the Robbins Reef Light in New York Harbor for more than 30 years after the death of her husband, Captain John Walker, who had been appointed keeper of the light in 1885. Katherine Walker was appointed the official keeper of the light by President Benjamin Harrison in 1890, four years after her husband's death. During her tenure she rescued 50 or more sailors from shipwrecks.

Spires' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Chapter book-style writing by Spires provides ample context and many anecdotes. Backmatter includes biographical note, source notes, and additional sources. McCully's vivid ink and watercolor spreads bring to life the storms and waves that made Walker's work necessary, and brim with visual information about the lighthouse and the people who depended on it.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Kate Walker took charge of Robbins Reef Lighthouse in the Port of New York when her husband died, toiling ceaselessly to give ships safe passage while raising her children and rowing to Staten Island for supplies. A German immigrant to the U.S. with a son, she married lighthouse keeper John Walker, who worked on the mainland until he took the post at isolated Robbins Reef. When John died of pneumonia, she resisted pressure to leave the lighthouse and won his position years later, in 1895, having served as assistant keeper during his life.

All in all, Kate's Light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse is a distinctive selection that highlights an unknown heroine and her world as a lighthouse keeper.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the illustrations in this book are breathtaking. It's worth a read for these alone. The story of Kate Walker is inspiring; I was glad to have learned about her. The story is a bit long, so you need to carve out a longer time to read it to kids. My 11 year old son and I enjoyed the author's note and photos at the end as well.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children—10, 8, 6, and I all loved this book. I really enjoy lighthouses and picture book biographies so this was the best of both of those. My kids enjoyed learning about the long ago life and times of a lighthouse keeper in New York Bay.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those famiiar with New York City will recognize immediately that Robbins Reef Lighthouse is in the bay that shelters the Statue of Liberty, within rowing distance from Staten Island. Those less familiar with that territory benefit from the excellent historic map featured on endpapers, a map clearly labeling geographic sites that are so often referenced in various narratives, and also anchoring (forgive the pun) the story in time. The waters are practically littered with enormous steamboats, tall masted ships, and water vehicles os every kind and size you can imagine.
Author Elizabeth Spires has written other texts for children, all of which reflect her core identity as a poet of extraordinary grace. This biography in prose sustains a lyrical quality. It manages to engage readers despite launching Kate's story as a 34 year old widow with a son, immigrating from Germany to find a better life for her and her child.

It's not easy to "hook" young readers on an adult biography with nary a word about her childhood life, and yet there is that irresistible lighthouse, entering Kate's life in the opening pages.

Kate was not an early supporter of her new husband's choice to live on a rock: no garden, no neighbors, away from the happy and settled lifeshe had been building with him and her son on land. In fact, she kept her belongings packed in the lighthouse for six months before she fully absorbed the lure of her new life. Spires's storytelling is powerful, informative, and admiring (with good reason). Kate's developing role as assistant lighthouse keeper, then full lighthouse tender, was not welcomed by the Lighthouse Board, but her competence and reliability won their grudging approval and eventual full endorsement.

Despite the appeal of the writing and the details of Kate's barrier-breaking accomplishments, including numerous rescues at sea, I need more than a nod to the art. Those familiar with McCulley's work will recognize and appreciate her style. With settings that feature water and sky, in all kinds of weather, McCulley is at her best. The scenes range from idyllic to horrific, with colors and expressions revealing that Kate's decision to remain, in fact insist, on assuming Lighthouse Keeper duties was driven by her heartfelt conversion to such a life. She lived out her long and dedicated responsibilities in tribute to her young husband's parting words to her as he was rowed back to the mainland: "Mind the light, Kate." When medical treatment of the time failed to save his life, his words sustained her until (and after) her retirement several decades later.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not realized that this book was by the author of The Mouse of Amherst and the illustrator of Mirette on the High Wire (both of these are beloved books I used to read to my elementary school students when I started teaching many moons ago.

I had never heard of Robbins Reef Lighthouse before reading this book, nor had I heard of Kate Walker, one of the first women to be in charge of an offshore lighthouse, a position she held until she was forced to retire at age 71.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lonesome job this brave lady had! She was a heroine for sure.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it weird that the end papers are my favorite part of this book? I kept coming back to them. I want a poster sized version on my wall. That's not to say that the rest of the book isn't fascinating. This is an interesting story about an immigrant who married a lighthouse keeper, became an assistant lightkeeper and then took over full care of the lighthouse after her husband passed away. Kate's perseverance as she adapted to a new country, a life isolated at the lighthouse, and to being a lighthouse keeper is inspiring. She made the best of a life many refused and saved many lives. It is a grueling life shared through the words and the moody, watercolor illustrations. I loved this historical look at life in a lighthouse all in view of the port of New York.

[Katy Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate’s Light is a lovely new book and a wonderful way to celebrate Women’s History Month or just to honor tough women from the past who could do things like “man” a lighthouse for more than 30 years in the days of no running water or electricity. Beautifully illustrated with mesmerizing pastel watercolors by Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully and written with power by critically acclaimed poet Elizabeth Spires, this book tells a story everyone who loves lighthouses will want to know.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Arnold McCully's illustrations are always impressive as she pays such close attention to detail. Through the artwork, created with watercolor, pen and ink, readers will feel as though they have returned to the late 19th and early twentieth century when Kate Walker lived and worked in the Sandy Hook Lighthouse near Manhattan and Staten Island. Kate had left her home in Germany with her son and settled in New Jersey before marrying the lighthouse keeper, John. The area was isolated and hard to reach, of course, and at first Kate had her doubts about making it her home. Eventually, though, she fell in love with the place and her work as assistant keeper. There was so much work to do, but Kate knew that it was important work. She and John made a good team. After his death, Kate became one of the first female lightkeepers on the Eastern Coast, and while she had to work even on holidays, her life was satisfying. Her friends even managed to visit her on the island, and she rebuffed their concerns about her loneliness. Instead, she claimed that she found plenty of ways to occupy herself and listed the advantages of living at the lighthouse. She is credited with several dramatic sea recues. Readers won't want to miss the additional information about this remarkable women in the back matter as well as a photograph of Kate, notes, and sources. Hers is one of those half-forgotten stories of heroism not found in history books. What a very different time it was when lighthouses were so essential. This picture book biography would be perfect when paired with Sophie Blackall's Hello Lighthouse with its detailed cutaways providing glimpses into a working lighthouse that also served as home for a family.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of Kate Görtler Kaird, who, after the death of her first husband, moved with her young son Jacob to New Jersey from Germany in 1882. In 1885 she married John Walker, who became the lighthouse keeper at Robbins Reef, located in New York Bay between Manhattan and Staten Island.

Kate and John enlarged their family with a daughter, Mae. But a few years later John died and Kate was left with two young children to support. She convinced the Lighthouse Board to keep her on as Lightkeeper, and she was able to hire her son Jacob, then grown, as Assistant Keeper. By the time Kate retired at age 71, she had lived at Robbins Reef for thirty-three years and rescued more than fifty people.

Back matter includes more about Kate as well as a guide to additional sources.

Lovely watercolors by Emily Arnold McCully ably depict the difficult and sometimes harrowing circumstances of Kate’s time as Lightkeeper. McCully brings to life the storms at sea as well as what Kate did to maintain safety and rescue capsized sailors in those moments.

Evaluation: This interesting book for readers aged 6 and up leaves no doubt about the bravery and perseverance of its heroine, who overcame adversity repeatedly to live the best life she could with the cards she was dealt.

The US National Park Service has an online history lesson for middle school learners about Kate Walker and the importance of lighthouses, here.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary! This picture book biography is best for a slightly older reader than the pre-school set but wonderful for 1-4th graders interesting in history, ground-breaking women or lighthouses. Quite a range of interests will truly enjoy this one ;-)

Elizabeth Spires's text is provides a wealth of information in an engaging way, rooting Kate's achievements in understandable ways even for kids not familiar with lighthouses or the sea. Emily Arnold McCully's watercolor illustrations are lovely and full of delightful details, extending the text for kids.

Terrific back matter includes much more information about Kate Walker, notes and sources. Don't miss the endpapers!

I loved learning that the now automated lighthouse is still referred to as "Kate's light" and that the US Coast Guard named a cutter the Katherine Walker in 1996.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a state with many lighthouses, including one in our own city. This narrative picture book biography of lighthouse keeper Kate Walker will appeal to many readers in middle elementary grades and above.
Kate Walker immigrated from Germany in 1882. She met and married a lighthouse keeper and eventually moved to Robbins Reef--a lighthouse in New York Bay. The book tells of her life on this lighthouse island. After her husband's untimely death, Kate petitioned the lighthouse board to run the lighthouse herself. She stayed on Robbins Reef for 33 years and rescued dozens of people.
The true story is fascinating. The wonderful illustrations are detailed and complement the text well.
Tie-in:
-Language arts: biography, narrative nonfiction
-Social studies: women's history month, lighthouses.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful picture book biography for young and adult readers. The detailed illustrations of Emily Arnold McCully are done in watercolor with pen and ink. This is the first book I have read about Kate Walker, one of the first women to be hired to care for an offshore lighthouse. It was a grueling and lonely job for her, but for some reason she loved it and was happy there. Her story is one of fortitude, honoring a promise, and revealing how different and easier life is for women in most places, today. It is also another example of how much immigrants from other countries appreciated living in this country despite the hardships they had to face in their new country.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful short true story about Kate Kaird Walker, who was one of the first women to be put in charge of an offshore lighthouse on the Eastern Seaboard.

This is a good read for any young child and up. With both boys and girls able to enjoy the story, it is nice for all to see a woman handling such work in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The author points out what Kate didn't have available and what the reader probably takes for granted - could be an eye-opening read.

The illustrations are pretty and add to the reading experience.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate was nothing if not resilient, brave and adaptable. Widowed she emigrated to the U.S. in the 1880's with a young son. There she found work and eventually married a lighthouse keeper. When he was assigned to the critical job of manning the lighthouse at the center of New York Harbor, she gamely moved with him, and when he died she took over as the temporary, and eventually permanent, keeper. For 33 years she kept the harbor safe, night and day: rescuing more than 5o people and at least one grateful dog. Backmatter includes additional information about Kate, notes and sources.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juvenile biography of a German woman who became a lighthouse keeper in New York City harbor. Wonderful illustrations and story of a challenging life. Kate came to the USA with her son, learned English, married, had a daughter, became her husband's assistant keeper and ended up as keeper herself after no one wanted to take the job. Too lonely. She rescued over 50 people. Fast read for Women's History Month.

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate's Light is the very interesting story of Kate Walker, a German immigrant who married a lighthouse keeper and went on to tend the Robbin's Reef Lighthouse, overlooking the Statue of Liberty, for decades. She was a brave, hardworking and tenacious single working mother. She rescued over 50 people from the water during storms. It is great to see Kate Walker get the recognition she deserves. The illustrations are perfect and convey what life was like for Kate.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

About Kate Walker from when she came to the US with her son Jacob to when she retired as Robbins Reef keeper.

The book does a good job of describing the work involved (daily, weekly, and in more unusual circumstances) in keeping a lighthouse as well as the difficulties in living isolated and away (ish) from land

Really great end papers: a map of the view from the Battery looking South.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely picture book biography of Kate Walker, one of the first female lighthouse keepers in the US. This story of perseverance, courage, and solitude is an inspiring one. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and additional information (including photographs), the whole family enjoyed this book.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, the illustrations are just magical. I love Emily McCully’s watercolor and pen/ink rendering of this true story. She manages to create a world that is at once serene and dangerous, in perfect step with Elizabeth Spires’ narrative. Just an inspiring take on one of the first female lighthouse operators on the Eastern Seaboard.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of one of the first female lighthouse keepers on the eastern coast of the US.

Talks about how she didn't want to move there initially, but ended up choosing to stay there for 30+ years.

Must have been hard to have the kids living in town so they could go to school.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent text, clearly written giving facts as well as clearly demonstrating the emotion of the characters. The illustrations are nice, but sometimes too busy. In one spread it took a few minutes to find the lighthouse from amongst the the ships in the bay.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I had interest in this title because I love reading about bodies of water and how they were/are managed, I thing the biggest appeal will be to adults interested in lighthouse history and perhaps children in the New York City area.

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

*mind the light*

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my 5 years old and she loves it.