First published 1998
This illustrated edition transforms Woody Guthrie's iconic 1940s folk song into a visual journey across America. Kathy Jakobsen's detailed paintings accompany Guthrie's stirring lyrics as readers travel from coast to coast, witnessing the diverse landscapes and people that make up the nation. The book presents the complete song lyrics alongside musical notation, allowing families to sing together while exploring the artwork. A biographical scrapbook reveals Guthrie's life and legacy, while folk legend Pete Seeger contributes a personal tribute. Guthrie wrote over a thousand songs during his career from 1912 to 1967, influencing generations of musicians including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. His homespun humor and activist spirit helped launch the 1960s folk music revival. This edition celebrates how a simple song can move people and spark social change, carrying forward Guthrie's enduring message that America belongs to all its citizens.
Genres: 20th-century, activism, americana
Vibes: emotional, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: biographical, historical-fiction, social-commentary
Setting: America, United States
Period: 1940s
34 pages · Hardcover · Little, Brown and Company