The Soldiers Friend, Gary Golio
The Soldiers Friend, Gary Golio
List: $7.99 | Sale: $5.60
Club: $3.99

The Soldier's Friend
Walt Whitman's Extraordinary Service in the American Civil War

Author: Gary Golio

Narrator: L.J. Ganser

Unabridged: 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 10/15/2024


Synopsis

Walt Whitman is celebrated as an iconic American poet, but few know of the crucial and heroic role he played tending to the wounded and dying in Civil War hospitals. This nonfiction book highlights Whitman’s compassion and teaches an important lesson about empathy, making this a perfect social-emotional learning title for young readers.

In December of 1862, Walt Whitman left Brooklyn, New York, for the war-torn South after seeing his brother's name on a list of wounded Union soldiers. What he found on the battlefields completely changed his life, as he came face to face with not only the wounded, but the dying. Whitman spent the next three years working part-time in Washington, DC, visiting and ministering to soldiers in the city’s many military hospitals. Caring for the sick and dying was not easy, but Whitman was committed to his chosen service. He became known as "the soldiers’ friend," and was bound—in his own way—to save and heal the America he wrote about and loved so deeply.

New York Times–bestselling author Gary Golio brings Whitman’s story and his passion for America to life, complete with quotes from Whitman’s works.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Lynn on October 12, 2024

Moving Picture Book of Walt Whitman’s Nursing Walt Whitman started nursing Union soldiers after his brother was injured. This is a warm collection of illustrations, text and Whitman’s own words to tell the story. It’s a very moving book.......more

Goodreads review by Kathy on November 29, 2024

Since I live in New Jersey, I grew up with Walt Whitman. I live only a half-hour away from his home and grave. He was a big part of the curriculum and school trips. I read his poems but never about this part of his life, so I enjoyed reading about his extraordinary service in the American Civil War.......more

Goodreads review by John on October 11, 2024

Gary Golio once again has written a wonderful picture book biography focusing on a unique and moving element of a subject’s life - similar to Blind Willie Johnson, Charlie Chaplin, and Sonny Rollins (all artists as well) we learn here about poet Walt Whitman’s dedication, compassion, and service wor......more

Goodreads review by Jared on October 09, 2024

Such a beautiful tribute to Whitman's small but incredible service during a dark time in American history. Considering the state of medical care during that time period it's not hard to imagine that Whitman's small gifts, especially his gift of time and caring, did just as much good or more than som......more

Goodreads review by Dave on October 22, 2024

"In all people I see myself"-Walt Whitman A moving, beautifully written and illustrated picture book about Walt Whitman's time serving as a nurse during the civil war, helping to heal both union and confederate soldiers. We learn that this service began with the news of an injury to his own brother,......more