Who Was Walt Whitman?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Kirsten Anderson, Who H.Q., Tim Foley (Illustrator)

How did a New York printer become one of the most influential poets of all time? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library!

Walt Whitman was a printer, journalist, editor, and schoolteacher. But today, he's recognized as one of America's founding poets, a man who changed American literature forever. Throughout his life, Walt journeyed everywhere, from New York to New Orleans, Washington D.C. to Denver, taking in all that America had to offer. With the Civil War approaching, he saw a nation deeply divided, but he also understood the power of words to inspire unity. So in 1855, Walt published a short collection of poems, Leaves of Grass , a book about the America he saw and believed in. Though hated and misunderstood by many at the time, Walt's writing introduced an entirely new writing one that broke forms, and celebrated the common man, human body, and the diversity of America. Generations later, readers can still find themselves in Whitman's words, and recognize the America he depicts. Who Was Walt Whitman? follows his remarkable journey from a young New York printer to one of America's most beloved literary figures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Childrens

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[David Poltorak · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Whitman was raised in Brooklyn, NY
* He worked as a printer and journalist early in his life, his first book being a “temperance novel” (popular at the time) warning about the dangers of drinking alcohol
* His most famous work Leaves of Grass was constantly being updated, revised, and published throughout his life and was ultimately revolutionary (although initially unsuccessful and controversial) in that it established a truly American style (as opposed to most American work being European based) using free verse (does not focus on rhyme or rhythm, more natural speech); in a time of division in America over slavery, Whitman wanted to show what we had in common via poetry
* When the Civil War broke, he went to D.C. to check on his wounded brother and ended up staying to comfort, support, and talk to wounded soldiers — up to 100,000 total!
* He wrote an unsigned essay in the paper that stated Americans weren’t giving him enough credit for his brilliance which got him the attention he needed to increase sales
* He had a deep respect for president Lincoln and wrote several poems in his honor (e.g. O Captain, My Captain)
* He is remembered as “America’s poet”

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books! Highly recommend regardless of age.

This was about Walt Whitmans life. I knew he was a poet but I didn’t know why that was such a big deal. He also visited with the injured during the civil war and brought them little gifts. I thought he was interesting. He lived through a lot of history. He met with a revolutionary war hero and lived through the civil war.

Anyways, I always recommend these books.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting, well written children's biography of Walt Whitman. I learned a lot about his life. It also contained some extra pages about things that were going on in history during his lifetime spread throughout the book. For instance, there was a couple page spread about the Transcontinental Railroad. Now, I must go read Leaves of Grass.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Walt Whitman. I never studied him in college, and suddenly, I felt I needed to learn a little about this legendary poet.
A simple but fact-filled biography that gave me a little background knowledge. Now I feel I can read Leaves of Grass and enjoy it for the better understanding I have of the poet.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Walt Whitman was a printer, journalist, editor, and schoolteacher. But today, he's recognized as one of America's founding poets, a man who changed American literature forever."
This story was excellent, I will most certainly be reading some of his works.

[Jenny Dohner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children’s biography. As an adult I liked it too, because it gave a relatively thorough overview of Whitman’s life, in an interesting way, but quick and to the point. Perfect even for an adult if you want just that.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading a children's book biography because it feels like all the information I can really realistically remember about a historical figure recapped in a cute convenient package for me with pretty pictures along the way. Will be returning to this series again soon.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written book about Walt Whitman! I actually learned quite a lot from it.

[AJ Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much

[Nathan Jeenu]

Nathan's Review

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read thus book about Walt Whitman. His idea of freestyle poetry was pioneering. I was reminded of the poet Sri Sri in Telugu.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little illustrated biography of Whitman's life and work.

[Pedo Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish it would have mentioned the abundant evidence of Whitman’s sexuality/queerness, especially with the magnitude of his legacy. That level of representation is very important

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed by how many times Walt revamped his most famous book "Leaves of Grass" he was a very busy person throughout his life.

[Kaitlin Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick read very informative!

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeopardy! champ James Holzhauer credits his wins to reading lots of nonfiction children's books, so I'm making a new shelf and I'm going to do the same.