Biography Book Review "A HOME FOR MR.EMERSON" by: Kerley, Barbara. Ill. Edwin Fotheringham

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON. New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-545-35088-4

PLOT SUMMARY

Ralph Waldo Emerson, grew up dreaming of creating his own home after moving around so much as a child. He had an affinity for  reading,learning and journaling. Once married, he built the house he dreamed of and worked hard to make it more than a house. He created his dream home with his children, making friends who visited often, and shared his parlor with people from all over to discuss topics of literature, theology and more. He loved his home in Concord, until one day a fire, which nearly destroyed the house, forced them to vacate with the most important of their belongings. An extremely saddened Emerson chose to go abroad to refresh and renew his spirit while his wife stayed behind. With the help and effort of the community, who would repay Emerson for his favors throughout the years, worked to repair the home. Upon his return, with a mindset of growth, Emerson was surprised with a repaired version of his home; except now it’s not just a celebration of rebuilding but a celebration of a community who worked together. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kerley documents Emerson’s life with quotes from writing of his own through strategically placed throughout the picture-book biography. Fotheringham’s lively illustrations document the time and place accurately with a colorful and playful sense of design. The story takes us through Emerson’s life beginning at his young boy’s life leading up to marriage and beyond with a clear sequence of time. The illustrations are appropriately placed against the text, but also clearly communicate the subject matter, such as clear descriptions on the belongings being displaced from his home, the doves carrying Emerson across the atlantic ocean, his teary-eyed gaze at his rebuilt home with the community of support in the background. Emerson’s life is documented through an interesting and lively picture-book showing the author’s style and enthusiasm for sharing a not so well known literary figure amongst children, that will encourage the reader to read more about. Direct quotes from Emerson’s writing are placed throughout the story and cited appropriately at the end along with an author’s note, with more detailed information not mentioned in the storybook. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and invited to create their own life just as Emerson did through self-examination and future ideas set for oneself. 

REVIEWS & EXCERPTS/ AWARDS

Booklist, 02/01/14

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 03/01/14

Horn Book Guide, 04/01/15

Kirkus Reviews, 12/15/13

Library Media Connection, 08/01/14

Publishers Weekly starred, 12/02/13

School Library Journal, 02/01/14

Booklist (February 1, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 11)): “This has the same format and style of Kerley and Fotheringham’s earlier works, with colorful illustrations featuring cartoon-style figures in a pleasing, open layout”

Kirkus Reviews (December 15, 2013): “The illustrations–prancing across oversized pages–are cheery, inventive, bright and busy, depicting a contented-looking man in a coat and tails basking in the magnificence of life.”

Library Media Connection (August/ September 2014): “The use of direct quotes is impressive and adds a more personal touch.”

CONNECTIONS

This biographical picture-book is appropriate for the upper elementary school audience because of the balance with pictures and text. 

Inviting students to participate in the extension activity for creating their own life will really help them connect with the story as well as reflect on their own lives. 

I myself followed through with the “The great business of life is to learn ourselves” self reflection and so I believe having readers put pen to paper and create their list of jobs that sound interesting and describe themselves with adjectives they relate to, will really give them a sense of purpose and motivation towards their future. 

This activity also relates to Emerson’s journaling, so an activity can be for each student to present their writing to the class. Giving them the opportunity to have a community of support just as Emerson did. 

Other Biographical Informational Picture Story Books by Kerley, Barbara:

Kerley, Barbara. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. ISBN 978-0-439-35791-3

Kerley, Barbara. THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM. ISBN 978-0-545-22268-6

Kerley, Barbara. ELEANOR MAKES HER MARK. ISBN 978-0-545-82612-9