A Caldecott Honor Book

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book

NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book

NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

School Library Journal Best Books, Nonfiction

An ALA Notable Book

Award-winning author Jen Bryant and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet team for a stunning portrait of poet William Carlos Williams.

When William Carlos William wrote poems, he felt as free as the Passaic River as it rushed to the falls. Willie’s notebooks filled up, one after another. His words gave him freedom and peace. But he also knew he needed to earn a living, so Willie went off to medical school and became a doctor – one of the busiest men in town!

Yet he never stopped writing poetry.

In this dynamic picture book biography, Jen Bryant’s engaging prose and Melissa Sweet’s stunning mixed-media illustrations come together to celebrate an amazing man who found a way to both earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.

Features an extensive timeline, author’s and illustrator’s notes, recommendations for further reading, and a selection of Williams’ poems. A River of Words is part of Eerdmans’ Incredible Lives for Young Readers series.