Walt Whitman's Extraordinary Service in the American Civil War
Published by Calkins Creek (2024-09-17)
★ "In Golio’s thoughtful and tender presentation, Whitman is the consummate friend: 'He met their eyes with his, touched or held their hands, and read to them even if they seemed not to hear.' Lewis’ richly textured watercolor paintings of soldiers lying wounded on the battlefield and in the hospital, of city scenes and moonlit nights, together with images of the gray-bearded Whitman both in action and in contemplation, convey the heart of this beautiful story. In a time of strife in contemporary America, this emotive story centers empathy and kindness." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "This moving picture book biography from Golio and Lewis explores the work that poet Walt Whitman (1819–1892) took on during the U.S. Civil War...Graceful, light-filled watercolor spreads depict hazily chaotic battles, city scenes, and Whitman’s face and faraway eyes as he wrestles with the pain he encounters." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"In describing how Whitman devotedly gave aid and comfort to thousands of wounded Civil War soldiers as a volunteer nurse, Golio pays tribute to a great soul who matched deep wells of compassion with equally profound love for both his country and its people. Brief pull quotes from his poems and letters give the poet a personal voice, and his gray-bearded figure—at once approachable and charismatic—lights up Lewis’ hospital scenes." —Booklist