Learning about Henry W. Longfellow’s was interesting. Not a very thrilling, entertaining read, but quite informational. There weren’t a lot of details, but it told of the basic events, and family. I enjoyed the read and always enjoyed Longfellow’s poetry.
What a great biography on Henry Longfellow! Very engaging and inspiring. We learned so much about his life, and it made us want to read more of his poetry. Simply put, it has inspired a greater love of poetry in my boys. Ever since we read the book, they have been making up short verses of poetry (on the spot) as we are going about our day and sharing out loud. We have read and memorized poetry previously to this, but I think the story just made it feel possible that they could write their own poetry, too!
I’m ashamed to say that I knew next to nothing about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow other than that he wrote I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and Paul Revere’s Ride, so this was a great introduction to his life. It is well-written, engaging, and left me wanting to learn more about this home-grown American author.
“I want to be a writer. My whole soul burns most ardently for it.”
No one loved rambling through the woods and watching ships come and go from the port near his home as much as young Henry Longfellow. As he observed the world around him, words danced in his mind, and his very first poem, written at the age of thirteen, was a published success! Henry’s father, however, had other plans for his son. He wanted him to practice law. While respecting his father and persevering in his studies, young Henry found the way to follow his heart and become a great poet. His life was a grand though sometimes heartbreaking adventure, and the lessons he learned contributed to the greatness of his writing.
87 pages