A Home for Mr. Emerson

 

Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara, 2014. A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON. Ill by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY. ISBN 9780545350884.

Plot Summary
Before Ralph Waldo Emerson became famously recognized and treasured as a philosopher and writer, he had dreamed of nothing more than having a place of his own. A comfortable, cozy place where he could make this place everything he wished for. Moving to Concord, Massachusetts and buying a farmhouse, Emerson soon marries and starts a family. His family builds a lovely life in this home, filling it with plants, fruits, neighbors, journals and books. When a fire breaks out at the Emerson home, caring neighbors were able to help retrieve their belongings out of the house. However, Mr. Emerson isn't able to recover from the immense pain he feels of his beloved home being destroyed. His spirit is broken, which prompts him to travel the world, while his wife stays behind and rebuilds their home with the help of wonderful people. When Emerson returns home from his travels abroad, he is overwhelmed with joy to see his home is rebuilt and restored to its former glory. 

Critical Analysis
An interesting take for a picture book biography. While the book does not quite follow the entire journey of how Ralph Waldo Emerson became so well known, it seems to hone in on one important value in his life: his home. Throughout the biography, Emerson is sharing how much it means to him to have a place of his own, filled with things and people who mean the most to him. There are small details mentioned on how Emerson began to write and share his thoughts in lectures around the world. Quotes are shared throughout the book, to share with readers what a thoughtful, fluent writer Emerson was. When his house caught fire, Emerson traveled abroad with his daughter while recovering from the pain of losing something he's dreamt of his whole life. But the central idea throughout the book was Ralph Waldo Emerson's home. The illustrations in this story are beautifully detailed and colored, ready to capture readers attention. The authors note gives more information on Ralph Waldo Emerson's dear friends he had invited to his house over the years. It also encourages readers to create a world of their own, similar to what Emerson had done. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Kerley's well-documented account features many sourced quotes from Emerson's writing; Fotheringham's stylish illustrations establish a firm sense of time and place and add a colorful element of whimsy."
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A small, inviting window into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson and an inspiring tribute to a life's dream realized." 

Connections
- For readers interested in learning about the life of famous philosopher and writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- A great picture book biography to utilize in a classroom, the read aloud used to hook learners into researching more information about Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Kerley, Barbara & Fotheringham, Edwin. ELEANOR MAKES HER MARK. ISBN 9780545826129
Kerley, Barbara & Fotheringham, Edwin. THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY) ISBN 9780545125086

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