Who Was Walt Whitman?

This engaging biography from the popular 'Who Was...?' series introduces young readers to Walt Whitman, a pivotal figure in American literature. It chronicles his life from a working-class background through his various careers as a journalist, teacher, and eventually, a revolutionary poet. The book highlights his travels across a divided America, his experiences during the Civil War, and the creation of his seminal work, Leaves of Grass, which dared to break traditional poetic forms and celebrate the diversity of the nation. While acknowledging the controversial nature of his work in his time, the narrative remains age-appropriate, focusing on his perseverance, creativity, and lasting impact on poetry and American identity. It's an excellent resource for children aged 8-11 to learn about a significant historical and literary figure.

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 style: 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.