Carl Sandburg

VOYA

This interesting biography provides a stroll down the many paths Sandburg took throughout his life, weaving general history about the United States with Sandburg's story. Students familiar with Sandburg's work might be surprised to learn that he came from a poor family and worked many unusual odd jobs to help pay his family's debts. He also was a college basketball player and a campus "big shot." After quitting college, Sandburg moved around to several cities before he became active in organizing Socialist politics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eventually settling in Chicago, Illinois, he became a tabloid reporter before achieving fame as a poet. Fascinating facts are presented alongside charming photographs, but curious details, such as his having convinced his wife to change her first name to one he liked better, are not covered thoroughly enough. This biography of poet Sandburg seems to be a good fit for junior high and high school students. The writing is not too easy or "dumbed down" but tells Sandburg's story in an accessible and enjoyable style. A good starting point for student report writing, this title will need to be supplemented with a biography that offers more fact and less storytelling. The wellrounded bibliography will point students in the right direction. Index. Photos. Biblio. Source Notes. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 1999, TwentyFirst Century, Ages 13 to 15, 144p. PLB $29.90. Reviewer: Rebecca Vnuk

Children's Literature - Lois Rubin Gross

This is an informative and accessible biography about the uniquely American poet, Carl Sandburg. Meltzer's abundant research begins with Sandburg's humble childhood as the son of Swedish immigrants. Embarrassed by his origins, Sandburg Americanized his first name to Charles for a time. While supporting himself in a series of pedestrian jobs, Sandburg developed his "voice" as the author of the common man, simplifying his use of language so that it spoke as the people did. Although Sandburg achieved fame for his poetry, it was the collection of children's stories written for his daughters that won him popular acclaim. Meltzer addresses, as well, Sandburg's lifelong Socialism and political activism that was the inevitable outcome of his hobo lifestyle in the early days of the twentieth century. A fine resource on the author, and an excellent addition to courses on his work.

Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Meltzer has once again crafted a thoughtful life story, this one a portrait that encompasses the many facets and accomplishments of Carl Sandburg. He begins with the poet's birth in 1878 to struggling Swedish immigrant parents in Illinois. Sandburg left school at age 14, and his first few jobs would set the standard that he followed for much of his life: working with his hands to sustain his imagination. After serving in the Spanish-American War, he enrolled in college, where his love of writing was nurtured and his ideas about the growing divide between the "haves" and "have nots" began to be formulated. These impressions would define much of his work as a newspaper reporter, socialist activist, author, and especially poet, and Meltzer gives equal attention to all of these activities. He describes Sandburg's writing in the context of the man's experiences and reactions to social injustice. This fine biography provides a wide-ranging account of Sandburg's life, and also of his times. Black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. A thorough selected bibliography and adequate index complete the book.-Carol Fazioli, The Brearley School, New York City Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.