A River of Words
Sale price
$1710
Picture Book · Ages 7–18 · 2008 · Est. 7 min read-aloud

A River of Words

Written by Jen Bryant · Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A doctor by day, a poet by heart. Can he balance both worlds?

4.1 Goodreads · 2,643 ratings
34 pages· 833 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud· AD820L
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Bookroo's summary

In this vibrant picture book, follow Willie, a man torn between his passion for poetry and the demands of medical school. As he becomes a busy doctor, his heart remains with his words, filling notebooks with poems that bring him peace. Discover how he navigates the challenge of honoring his poetic calling while earning a living. Will he find harmony between his two worlds, or will one overshadow the other? Dive into the life of William Carlos Williams, where art and duty collide in a beautiful dance.

From the publisher

2009 Caldecott Honor Book

An ALA Notable Book

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book

NCTE Notable Children’s Book

When he wrote poems, he felt as free as the Passaic River as it rushed to the falls. Willie’s notebooks filled up, one after another. Willie’s words gave him freedom and peace, but he also knew he needed to earn a living. So he went off to medical school and became a doctor – one of the busiest men in town! Yet he never stopped writing poetry. In this picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, Jen Bryant’s engaging prose and Melissa Sweet’s stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.

Awards

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2008)Caldecott Honor (2009)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2009)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
34
Words
833
Reading age
7–18
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD820L
Themes & topics
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.6
F&P level
~S
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
124292
Publication
Published
July 9, 2008
Publisher
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780802853028

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