The Soldier’s Friend: Walt Whitman’s Extraordinary Service in the American Civil War
by Gary Golio; illus. by E. B. Lewis
Primary, Intermediate    Calkins/Astra    40 pp.
9/24    9781635925876    $18.99
e-book ed.  9781635925883    $11.99

In “Song of Myself,” Whitman defines the essence of his poetry: “I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul.” This picture-book biography covering Whitman’s experiences during the Civil War introduces readers to that “Soul” by showcasing his deeply felt compassion. After traveling to Virginia to see his wounded brother, he is so affected by the plight of injured soldiers that he moves to Washington and takes a part-time job that allows him time to visit the many hospitalized war casualties, befriending them by writing letters, bringing treats, and just listening to their stories. Appropriately placed excerpts from his poetry, and a letter to his mother, underscore the deep connections between his words and his deeds. ­Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: “And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, / My heart gives you love.” Others are inspired by his actions to contribute both money and baked goods for these soldiers. Lewis’s watercolor portraits of Whitman, staring at readers with his steady blue eyes, are nearly as realistic as the Mathew Brady photograph appended in the back matter. Hospital scenes are less detailed, while the battleground illustrations blunt the horrors of war, as Lewis displays a more impressionistic style. An author’s note providing more details about ­Whitman and a bibliography conclude this fine book.

From the ">September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.