A Home for Mr. Emerson

A Home for Mr. Emerson

Kerley, B. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson (E. Fotheringham, Ed.). Scholastic Press.

ISBN 978054535088

“This introduction to the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson will help readers begin to understand the thoughts and values of this great American thinker. Emerson grows up in Boston, but yearns to make a life closer to nature where he can surround himself with books and friends. He finds a perfect home in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife raise a family. Emerson eagerly becomes a part of the community, even playing the role of hog reeve, gathering up the town's runaway pigs. After collecting his thoughts in journals, Emerson begins traveling across the country to lecture, attracting visitors from around the world to his doorstep. A house fire later in his life devastates Emerson, but allows the town to demonstrate their affection for him as they rebuild his home.” (McLeod, M. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson. School Library Journal, 60(2), 120.)

Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham have created a whimsical story-telling of venerable historical figure Ralph Waldo Emerson. The illustrations bring the story to life with warm and colorful depictions of Emerson’s life in Concord, Massachusetts. It’s a thoughtful story that demonstrates Emerson’s background and philosophy using his own words. The way he loved his home and community bring hope and purpose to the pages. The tragic fire that nearly destroys his beloved home becomes a welcome glimpse of humanity as his community rallies to repair and replace what was lost. It is a warm and welcome look into the life of a kind and thoughtful character.

Book Reviews:

“An eye-catching, kid-friendly biography that is a wonderful addition to any collection.”
McLeod, M. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson. School Library Journal, 60(2), 120.

“In bold and whimsical spreads, Emerson literally dives into books, strides across a U.S. map and, most dramatically, looms as a silhouette amid the flaming ruins of his beloved house. It's hard to say whether this tale will inspire children to further investigation into the philosopher's life and work, but the author's note does help round out the portrait, including Emerson's friendships with Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott. A small, inviting window into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson and an inspiring tribute to a life's dream realized.”
A Home for Mr. Emerson. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(24), 143.

Connections:

- Students could learn about Emerson through the book, then find favorite quotes to print and illustrate.
- This book could be used to demonstrate the effects of positive thinking in an ESL lesson.

Awards:

A Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner

An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.