Picture Book 3

Title: A River of Words
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Talent, Love of Nature, Responsibility
Primary and Secondary Characters: Willie Williams
Award(s) date of publication: 2008
Publishing Company: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Brief Summary: A River of Words is based on the true story of William Carlos Williams. He is unlike the other boys in his neighborhood because he does not like to play sports. His one true passion in life is nature. He loves being outside and seeing new things. In the book, there are pictures of him walking outside and lying by a river. When he gets older, he has to spend more and more time indoors at school. Though he rather spend his time outside, he decides to write about nature instead. Every chance he gets, he decides to write poetry. When he gets older, he wants to be financially successful, so he becomes a Doctor. Though he doesn't love his job, he decides to write about what he does instead. Throughout his life, he uses writing as an escape and as a way to focus on all the beauty that the world has to offer.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book to encourage students to write. When I am teaching, I would like to have journals for all of the students so that they may be able to express themselves, or write about what makes them happy. It is a great outlet and a very important skill. I think this is definitely for older students. At the beginning and ending of the book are poems by William Carlos Williams. I think students would enjoy reading these. The pictures are great, and I think the students will learn to appreciate poetry because of this book.