Laura Whipple's "Celebrating America" is a thoughtful and expansive anthology that brings together a diverse array of poetic voices to illuminate the American experience. From the grandeur of Walt Whitman to the folksy charm of James Whitcomb Riley, and importantly, including Native American oral traditions, the collection offers a panoramic view of the nation's spirit. The inclusion of 'images' alongside the poems is a crucial element, transforming the book into a visual as well as literary journey, though the specific style of illustration is not detailed. The book handles its broad topic by presenting a mosaic of perspectives, allowing readers to encounter different facets of American life, history, and natural beauty without imposing a single narrative. The emotional arc is generally one of appreciation and wonder, celebrating the country's vastness and its people's resilience, with moments of poignant reflection. This book is ideal for children aged 4-11, serving different purposes across this range. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm and imagery of individual poems during read-alouds, while older elementary students can delve into the historical context and diverse authorship. A parent might reach for this book when their child is learning about American history in school, preparing for a national holiday, or simply to introduce them to the beauty and power of poetry. Parents should preview the poems to select those most appropriate for their child's age and attention span, and be ready to discuss historical contexts or unfamiliar vocabulary. What sets this collection apart is its deliberate inclusion of voices beyond the traditional canon, particularly the Native American contributions, offering a more holistic and inclusive understanding of the 'American Spirit' than many similar anthologies.
