We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart

We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart

Myers, Walter Dean & Myers, Christopher. We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart. New York: Harper, 2011. ISBN 9780060523107

Summary:

Travel through American history from the very beginning of discovery to the struggles that make America what it is today in this beautiful collection of thematic poetry. Walter Dean Myers’ words are simple, yet elegant and paint a picture of America’s past, present, and future. Myers’ collection of poetry and quotes is truly a celebration of the greatest nation - the United States of America.

Analysis:

In his collection We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart, Walter Dean Myers’ words flow from one page to the next and read almost as a picture book. Most pages also contain quotes from famous historical figures that connect directly with Myers’ poems. In the author’s note, Myers explains, “The writing has been a journey not of discovery but of rediscovery. No words here have been penned lightly, no flag waved mindlessly. This is simply my truest feelings for my country, my tribute to America.”

Overall, the rhythm and sound of this collection is soothing, yet also hard when difficult subjects, such as September 11^th are addressed and explored. When these difficult topics are explored, the reader will find his/herself stopping firmly at the end of each line allowing the poem to create its own pace. The pace feels more dramatic at times. For the most part, Myers’ work does not contain rhyme or a specifically set paced beat felt by the reader. Instead, Myers incorporates other elements of language play, such as simile and personification to help paint his feelings. Please see below for some excerpted examples:

Personification

“As my father sat in a curl of legend”   

~ “Before There Was America”

“Canyons that swallowed the imagination”  

~ “I Found an Endless Land”

Simile

“In my heart

Like an eagle

Longing to fly”  

 ~ “ Before There Was an America”

Metaphor

“We learned to light the darkness

              with the blazing torch that is

The Constitution”  

~ “Like Clumsy Children We Fell”

Walter Dean Myers’ son, Christopher has created beautiful, captivating illustrations using oil pastels. The images depict important pieces of American history. His images are realistic and are in full color, except for the black and white end pages. In the artists’ note, Christopher Myers explains how he utilizes his illustrations to answer the unanswered questions and share his “dreams of what this rich country is, was, and will continue to be.” This is his “way of asking the questions, because in some ways the beauty of this country is its open-endedness, the question mark of it.” Myers’ illustrations are offset on each page and encased in a rectangular shape to allow the reader time to study both the text and the illustrations separately and then together. Many pages also include square shaped “watermark” illustrations used either as page dividers or accents to the quotations.

At the end of the book, the reader will enjoy brief historical background information about each featured quote. There is also an illustration/art guide provided at the back to help the reader better understand the illustrations. This father-son duo has provided yet again another beautiful masterpiece that can be enjoyed by all!

Awards and Review Excerpts:

From The ALA Booklist: “Masterful.”

From The Washington Post: “The images and text are vibrant, featuring paintings from Christopher Myers that evoke the sweep of history, provocative poetry from Walter Dean Myers, and pertinent quotes…” ~ Abby McGanney Nolan

From The New York Times: “Best for children with a firm grasp of history, We Are America offers an inclusive, unblinkered variation of patriotism.” ~ Pamela Paul

From Kirkus Review: “The Myers team shares their heartfelt and stirring vision of an America flawed but filled with promises and dreams. Stunning.”

From Publishers Weekly: “The father and son team behind Jazz and other award-winning titles pays homage to the entire United States in a soul-searching, free-verse poem examining the people, ideals, and promise of America.”

From Publishers Weekly, starred review: “Few will be unmoved by this stirring and provocative collaboration.

From Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Accessible to younger elementary audiences.”

Connections:

Conduct an author study of Walter Dean Myers and provide copies of his various works, such as:

- Monster ISBN 9780064407311 (National Book Awards Finalist, Coretta Scott King Honor)

- Harlem: A Poem ISBN 9780590543408

- Lockdown ISBN 9780061214820

Share Sharon Creech’s Love That Dog where Walter Dean Myers becomes instrumental in the main character’s (Jack) life.

There’s something special about listening to an author read his/her own work. Listen to Walter Dean Myers share his book Harlem at the Kennedy Center Presents - Harlem

Learn more about Walter Dean Myers and view an interview with him through Reading Rockets at Interview with Walter Dean Myers

Write your own poem about America and express/share your feelings.

Play around with figurative language such as personification, simile, and metaphor. Perhaps, incorporate ideas about American utilizing each one.

Select one of the historical events describe in Walter Dean Myers’ collection, We Are America, and research and learn more about this specific event. Think about how it compares to Myers’ interpretation.  

*Images borrowed from www.barnesandnoble.com

Proud to be an American!

~ Mandy