(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Marc Burckhardt. This full-hearted book celebrates Dylan's pursuit of, and eventual life-changing meeting with, his ailing idol, populist folkie Woody Guthrie. It's a lovely commemoration of a legendary encounter, with much dutiful ramp-up about Dylan's younger days. Each of Burckhardt's crackle-surfaced paintings, whether a vignette or a double-page spread, is beautifully composed to thoughtfully and effectively highlight the events. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Trailblazers series. Though he suffered great misfortunes in his life, Woody Guthrie contributed a wealth of music and writing to America's folk-song tradition. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, this biography covers the events of Guthrie's life, although sometimes too cursorily. A better source is Elizabeth Partridge's This Land Was Made for You and Me.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(1) YA Partridge lays out the complexities and contradictions of Guthrie's life, drawing a full picture of a man who defined the pain and the pleasures of so many Americans. The individual who emerges is a true antihero: poor rather than rich, unkempt rather than groomed, crude rather than polished, passionate rather than contained. Well-chosen illustrations, including Guthrie's sketches and family photos, personalize and extend this account. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002

(1) K-3 Beginning with Guthrie's life preceding the Depression, Christensen traces his wanderings across the United States and the influences on his music. The hand-lettered words to all seven verses of "This Land Is Your Land" border the text and unify the book, which is illustrated with art that resembles woodcuts. Historical background creates a rich context for understanding the relationship between Guthrie's experiences and his work. A time line is appended.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002