Poetry for Young People. Walt Whitman Poetry For Young People

Editorial Review

"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.

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Customer Reviews

Young People's Guide to Walt Whitman

2008-05-27
I think this is a wonderful guide to poetry by Walt Whitman. I was able to learn something about his poetry myself. The illustrations are very good and the poetry is presented in manageable pieces. That is important for teachers who are teaching the poetry.

THE BOOK IS A WORK OF ART AND OF COURSE SO IS THE POETRY

2006-11-05
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Walt Whitman than this small volume. The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader. The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it. I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Walt Whitman, much less read their poetry. This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on. I do not feel I am any worse for the wear. I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot. This book helps. This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library. Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them. Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student. It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with. I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school. For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it. Recommend this one highly.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to a great poet

2000-11-16
Editor Jonathan Levin and illustrator Jim Burke have put together a wonderful introduction to the poetry of Walt Whitman. Although marketed as a children's book, this volume will also appeal to older admirers of the "Good Gray Poet."

Levin has judiciously selected some of Whitman's most memorable poems, and thoughtfully gives definitions of potentially unfamiliar words ("Pleiades," "hieroglyphic," etc.) at the bottom of each page. A five page biography of Whitman at the start of the book is another useful touch. Many of Burke's full-color visuals are stunning, and stand on their own as admirable pieces of art. Particularly memorable are the illustrations which accompany Whitman's address to a locomotive and his compassionate description of a slave's body at auction. "Walt Whitman: Poetry for Young People" is a fine book to share with its target audience.