RUTHERFORD B. WHO WAS HE? by Marilyn Singer

Bibliography

Singer, Marilyn. 2013. Rutherford B. Who was He?: Poems about our Presidents. New York: Hyperion Books. ISBN 9781423171003

Critical Analysis

Singer’s poetic, but informational text about all forty-three presidents is a great resource for any teacher who has to teach about our government, whether they discuss one president in particular or all of them. As an look into the most important or memorable tidbits about our presidents, it is a great overview when looking at American history and the ups and downs our nation has seen, along with the leaders of the country who may or may not have had as significant an impact. Each poem is titled with the president’s name and the subtitle includes the political party under which each was elected as well as the dates of their presidency.

Singer uses creative rhymes and a similar rhythm throughout each poem which creates a cohesive feel to the book as a whole. Singer doesn’t use as much figurative language unless necessary to hold to the rhythm, but instead provides the reader with a factual and easily understood informative text. She does use language that helps the reader to easily understand the overall feeling the nation had for each president, including humor and shame when necessary.

The illustrations that John Hendrix adds to the poems help to reflect the emotions Singer was trying to convey. His illustrations also add a depth to the information being provided that helps to extend the learning one can get from each poem. 

Example

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are the two most well remembered and discussed presidents. The poem about each of these men would provide a great introduction when this topic is being studied. For younger students, it would provide a great overview of each man’s life and accomplishments while providing a great opportunity to activate the schema of older students who have already studied these presidents but may need a refresher.

The one about Lincoln is a great overview of why we remember him, but would lead into a great discussion or research of what exactly were his “addresses of great note,” or what did he “proclaim emancipation” from. It gives just enough to get the reader to either remember the details of his presidency or to spark interest to dig even further.

Abraham Lincoln

(Whig, Republican, 1861-1865)

By stovepipe hat, beard, large size,
          he’s the one we recognize,

By addresses of great note,
          he’s the one we often quote.

By leading through war – wrenching, bloody -
          he’s the one we always study.

By exercising his high station
          to proclaim emancipation,
then meeting such a tragic fate,
          he’s the one we rank as great.