This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie (Golden Kite Awards)

Elizabeth Partridge’s This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie is a fascinating look into the life and times of one of America’s most important folksingers. This Land Was Made for You and Me is part textbook, part multimedia experience, and part easy-to-read biography. Partridge has drawn upon a variety of sources for her book, most notably Guthrie’s autobiography (the incredible Bound for Glory) and the photographs of Depression era photographers (like Dorothea Lange). The combination of anecdotal evidence about Guthrie’s life with archival photos and song lyrics makes for a thoroughly-engaging read – and one that is challenging, but not overwhelming, for upper-elementary students.

As Partridge show more points out very clearly in her book, Guthrie’s life oftentimes seemed like an unending series of tragedies, starting with his mother’s mental illness and culminating in his debilitating illness of Huntington’s Chorea at the end of his life. However, Partridge also reminds her readers of Guthrie’s impact and legacy (even if her conclusion feels a bit rushed). Despite the temptation to gloss over the painful parts of Guthrie’s life (such as the death of family members and his downward spiral later in life), Partridge tackles these subjects head-on with a balanced, but honest portrayal of Guthrie.

The most intriguing aspect of the book was, to me, the origin of Woody’s “This Land is Your Land:” the song was actually written as a bitter response to Irving Berlin’s jingoistic “God Bless America,” which was prominently played by radio stations at the time. According to Partridge, Woody heard Berlin’s song and was so frustrated by Berlin’s blind patriotism that he decided to tell the “truth” about America (as he saw it). The result: the first draft of “This Land is Your Land,” which criticized private property and ends with the speaker standing in a welfare line. Young readers (and adult readers, as well) will most likely be shocked by the fact that such a well-known, celebrated, and seemingly-hopeful folk song began as a bitter statement about the Great Depression. An interesting side-note: Partridge includes a photo of the original, handwritten lyrics to the song… which was originally titled, “God Blessed America For Me.”

Although Woody Guthrie died broke, broken, and half-forgotten, he has gained a level of notoriety and fame in the years after his passing. Elizabeth Partridge’s book will hopefully introduce Woody Guthrie to a new generation of listeners, children who will learn more about the man who wrote “This Land is Your Land” – a song that kids will probably continue to sing in school for decades to come.

Citation:
Partridge, Elizabeth. This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie. New York: Viking, 2002. Print. show less

Usually one needs to know and appreciate something about the subject of a biography. In this book, however, a person need know nothing about Woody Guthrie to enjoy reading it. The writing sparkles. This book did not win any of the big informational book prizes because Partridge did not (could not?) document some of the emotions and reactions that she writes in for Guthrie. However, people like Pete Seeger vouch for the book’s integrity and it was done in conjunction with those closest to Guthrie. Partridge does not, however, romanticize Guthrie. This book is an even-handed look at this sometimes noble, sometimes disgusting human being whose musical legacy cannot be denied. Students who appreciate the social concerns of, say, Bono, show more from U2, would do well to read this account of Woody Guthrie who so often walked the walk. Readers are sure to agree with the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults committee that chose it as one of their top ten books of the year. show less

Such a sad, troubled life Woody Guthrie had. despite this his songs are full of hope, beauty and the demand that we strive for something better. This biography written for youth 12 and up is written simply without being patronizing. It does not shy away from the harsh tragedies in Woody's life, but tries to create an honest story to bring some understanding of this remarkable folk hero.

This Land Was Made For You and Me is a spectacular book that details the life of Woody Guthrie, and American legend. The book tells of many parts of Guthrie's life, beginning as a child and continues through his death. Not only does it tell about Woody, but it also tells about his music and why he wrote the music he did. There are wonderful, authentic pictures from his life that add the effect of the book.
I wasn't very excited about reading this book, but once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I have read different things about Woody Guthrie, but this book tells a more extensive story than any I've ever read. I think seeing the pictures from his life made the book come to life. I also enjoyed all of the lyrics to his music, and the show more index in the back of the book that correlates with it.
I think it is important for us to teach about Woody Guthrie in the classroom. He is one of the people who have made America what it is. He had a true love for his country and the people that lived in it. His stories and songs make up a huge part of pop culture from the Depression and the Dust Bowl, which is a very important time period in our country. show less

Sometimes the best stories are of sad stories. This is the case with This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie. There would be interest for this book for today's children, ones that are interested in playing the guitar, understanding folk music, and interested in the American history during the depression and World War II era. I do strongly believe that children knowing about Woody Guthrie would help them understand the struggles of many during the Depression and Dust Bowl era. This book does go into great detail of the living and working conditions of the many people during this time, the harsh reality of struggling. Not sure if Guthrie's experiences would widen children's views of today on their own but it show more would bring to light the dark demons that often poses gifted artists. I do believe the author did not hold anything back in her writing, during the book one must deal with Guthrie's childhood which is not pleasant, his running around with women, the notion of him being married having children and leaving them for another journey cross county only to find a different love and all over again and again, his trouble with alcohol and addiction is brought to light, his battle with Huntington's Disease, his hobo-ness, also aspects of Communisim get mentioned. This book does not portray Guthrie in a grand beckon of light, I do believe the book tells the honest story of Guthrie's mad journey through life. The author in the end of the book provides well documented list of resources from the Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives to an extensive list of a bibliography. The book is filled with primary documents, drawings, letters from Guthrie. The author does a great job in touching both Guthrie's genius side and his destructive side. I believe the author did a great job in writing an easy to follow, heart wrenching, interesting story about a true American. There were a lot of things that I learned from reading this book. I had seen the movie Bound For Glory but this book by far was more informative and interested. There is a great deal of material not suitable for younger children; of cigarettes, alcohol, family fighting, womanizing, etc... But I believe by providing the reader with these accounts gives for a better story.
Grades 6 and up. show less

'This Land was Made for You and Me' is a biographical look at the life and songs of legendary Folk singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie. Woody's life and contributions to civil rights, storytelling, civil disobedience, literature, and songwriting have been well documented over time, but this book offers an in-depth look at the enigma and displays lyrics from the songs he wrote throughout his life. This book is meant for all ages and anyone interested in the man who inspired the Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The book contains a variety of historical events from Guthrie's life during the Great Depression, as well as period-specific vocabulary such as 'flop houses, bewildering, Almanac, and Hoovervilles'. This book would show more be excellent for an English classroom or a Music classroom. show less

Very readable, compelling, a real soap opera. Lots of interesting things about Woody I did not know about.