BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, B., & Fotheringham, E. (2014). A home for Mr. Emerson. New York: Scholastic Press.
ISBN 9780545350884
PLOT SUMMARY
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a famous writer, traveler and family man. A Home for Mr. Emerson shows his lifelong dream realized to build a home not only filled with material items and family, but also a deep, loving friendship with many townsfolk.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations in this book give life to Ralph Waldo Emerson. The wide open spaces on some pages let the words breathe the story while other pages are alive with color, filled with bright, bold images that connect with the text. The text style allows a whimsical feeling that mimics Emerson’s personality. The emotion on the other faces show a mirrored image of what the readers must feel; when they are happy, we are happy, when they mourn, we mourn. As we see Emerson’s house go up in flames, a page is dedicated to the destruction with no words, almost as if the author had to take a moment to share in the grief that Mr. Emerson must have felt.
Mr. Emerson becomes a real person as we read. We see through the illustrations this was from a time long ago, but the messages behind Mr. Emerson’s motives are ones that still hold true today; everyone wants a place to call home. His neighbors may have been the a man who sold dry goods, a man who made boots and women from a charitable society rather than a neighbor who works at Wal-Mart and HEB or at an auto shop, the feeling of community is the same. Most people want to know their neighbors and to have a sense of community that would welcome and watch out for their children. Many people would pool resources for a friend who has had hardship befall them much like Mr. Emerson’s townsfolk did for his burning house. No matter the time and place, many strive their whole lives to find what Mr. Emerson found, a happy home in which to build a rich, fulfilling life.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“The illustrations—prancing across oversized pages—are cheery, inventive, bright and busy, depicting a contented-looking man in coat and tails basking in the magnificence of life.” - Kirkus Reviews November 27th, 2013
“This moving biography--presented with Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham's inimitable grace and style--illustrates the rewards of a life well-lived, one built around personal passions: creativity and community, nature and friendship.” - Goodreads
CONNECTIONS
*For older grades - Your house has caught on fire. Write down 3 items you would grab and why.
*Think of a dream you have. Emerson put plans into motion to make his dreams come true; what steps could you take to achieve your goal?
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