DRAWING WITH WHITMAN
SOURLAND MOUNTAIN SERIES BOOK ONE
REVIEWS
“A sweet middle-grade novel about the power of art.” - Kirkus Reviews
13-year-old girl discovers a new passion after a terrible car accident in the first book in the Sourland Mountain series for preteens.
Catalynd “Cat” Hamilton is facing big changes. Her beloved older brother, Buddy, is heading off to college in Florida, far from their home on Sourland Mountain near Princeton, New Jersey, and in order to pay for his education, her parents have rented the barn that was her go-to spot for play and thinking. One day in late summer, an errand run is complicated by a thunderstorm, and the car containing Cat and her mother hits a tree. Now wheelchair-bound for several weeks, Cat finds her life altered as her mother morphs from sunny and productive to barely being able to get out of bed. Curiosity and a school project lead Cat to a friendship with her family’s tenant, Benton Whitman. An artist named for Thomas Hart Benton, Cat’s new pal and mentor helps her with a project on Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World, which depicts a young woman who “had lost almost all of her ability to walk.” As Cat adjusts to using a wheelchair and to missing her brother, she discovers a new love for drawing and painting and a way to channel this passion into her everyday life. Meanwhile, Cat learns to connect with the people around her, particularly her mother, who is feeling her own effects from the fateful car crash. McGlothlin, the author of Andy’s Snowball Story (2010), has degrees in art history and English, and her knowledge of both storytelling and painting is on full display. Though Cat tends to come off as younger than 13 (and her age is not revealed until Page 42), her emotions and challenges feel authentic to the book’s target middle-grade audience. Cat’s mentor Benton radiates kindness, and her mother’s touching battle with depression rings true. In the backmatter, the author lists several resources on related topics ranging from Walt Whitman (whose words appear in the book) to mental health.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Drawing with Whitman by Kristin McGlothlin is a coming of age children's story, and book one in the Sourland Mountain Series. Catalynd “Cat” Jewett Hamilton has her world turned upside down when a car accident forces her (and two broken, casted legs) into a wheelchair, and sends her mother spiraling into depression. As one person in their life leaves the property, another moves onto it—artist Benton Whitman, a descendant of literary great Walt Whitman. Using art as therapy, Cat works hard to pull together the demands of school and home and weave the frayed threads of the family back together once more.
Drawing with Whitman is a beautifully written, engrossing, and completely relevant novel that just hits the nail on the head in so many different ways. As a parent to a child who struggles with mental health issues, I found Kristin McGlothin's character Cat and the circumstances she's put into resonated a bit too closely. Like many children today, Cat has the weight of the world on her shoulders as well as the casts that burden her legs, and she becomes the ties that bind at an age when she really should not have to. The character of Benton is exceptional, as is the portrayal of Cat's fragile mother. For all the simplicity of the writing that a book aimed at middle-graders must have, the prose is excellent and all of the characters well developed. As a coming of age story, I believe this is a book that will leave a long-lasting impression. I look forward to reading about Cat's growth as the series progresses.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Cat loves to play football with her older brother, Buddy. She insists she’s going to play quarterback in this year’s family football game during Thanksgiving. But fate takes a nasty turn when she and her mother are in a car accident. Cat is seriously injured from the waist down and must wear leg casts and use a wheelchair for months. Her mother wasn’t physically injured, but psychologically? Well, that’s another matter. Cat’s mother was driving and she feels guilt over Cat’s injuries. Then a new tenant, Benton Whitman, moves into the renovated barn. He’s an artist, a poet of pictures like his ancestor Walt Whitman was a poet of words. Cat is enthralled with the artist’s work and starts learning from him. It helps with her recovery, but what about her mother’s? Psychological stress after a harrowing experience, PTSD, or depression is very debilitating, not only to the person suffering the condition but to those who love that person. Cat wants to help, but she doesn’t know how.
Kristin McGlothlin’s middle-grade novel, Drawing with Whitman: Sourland Mountain Series Book 1, is an interesting look at some difficult issues, specifically PTSD and depression. The main character, Cat, has some difficult issues confronting her, more than her physical injuries. This comes across clearly as the plot develops and the issues compound themselves. Although the story is written in the third person, it almost reads like a personal journal as the story traces the main character Cat's point of view throughout. The dialogue is well orchestrated and believable. Young readers will certainly be able to relate to young Cat, feeling her pain and frustration. Unable to help and struggling to understand her mother, Cat must face her own physical challenges as her legs heal. Faced with so many obstacles, Cat is forced to grow up, attaining a maturity beyond her years. With her brother off to college, Cat must assert herself as the bond that keeps the family functioning in both health and happiness. Through art, Cat finds a means to tackle life’s more difficult problems. The author has presented the story in a very straightforward way, using simple language and sentence structure and presenting the issues head-on in an approach that will attract young middle-grade readers. A powerful story told with compassion and an understanding of the inner depth of an artist.
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
In Drawing with Whitman by Kristin McGlothlin, main character Catalynd feels as though her entire life has changed: her brother Buddy has moved away to college, the barn in which she used to play has been renovated and rented out, and, biggest of all, after a major car accident, she is left in a wheelchair, both her legs broken, and her mother slips into a depression. Cat is worried about her mother, but when she tries to talk with her family members about it, they tell her it's nothing. However, she finds that their new tenant, Benton Whitman, who is an artist, is very nice, and she begins to take art lessons with him. But the question still remains: what can she do to help her mother?
With relatable problems and realistic characters, Drawing with Whitman by Kristin McGlothlin is a really enjoyable read. Readers will find that they can relate to problems faced within this book, such as depression, anxiety, and injuries, as well as worry about change. The book focuses a lot on art, introducing the reader to art terminology they may not know and instilling a greater appreciation for art, particularly paintings. I liked that there were pictures of the paintings referenced throughout the story at the back of the book so that readers can understand what the characters within the book were talking about. The story is very well written, with lots of descriptions and captivating, intense scenes, particularly the one in which the car crashes. I would definitely recommend this book.
Drawing with Whitman is an emotional book from which the reader can learn many things. It is emotional because the main character, Cat, deals with physical injury while her mom struggles with mental health after the accident. The story has many morals, such as not giving up in tough situations. One thing I do not like about this book is that it is so short. I would love to read more about Cat and her journey with her injured legs, but there is a sequel coming out, so my rating increased when I figured that out because the book feels incomplete. I recommend this very inspiring book for everyone ages 8 and up. Overall I give it 4 of 5 stars because it is a very good book, although not one of my all-time favorites.
“A must read for parents and middle age children…a very sensitive story touching on two important issues for the age group! Art and mental subjects! Many schools have cut art appreciation classes and avoid mental problems. Looking forward to the rest of the Sourland Mountain series. Thank you Kristin!” - Judy Arfsten, retired children’s librarian
“In Drawing with Whitman, Kristin McGlothlin uses her experiences to tell the story of Catalynd Hamilton. The plot is slow, reflective and informative. The glossary and resources at the end of the book are very good… Drawing with Whitman is well written and is appropriate for its target audience. I wish Ms. McGlothlin success with the Sourland Mountain series.” - Carol Vondruska, 1st Grade Teacher, Franklin Elementary School
“This is a lovely middle school book. I especially liked the many art references and the quotes from Walt Whitman. Any middle schooler could benefit from the well written explanations of the artists and excerpts from Walt Whitman. The story helps to put the reader in charge of understanding, and acting to help others who may be dealing with a traumatic life event. I read the hard copy, but I could imagine an e-reader version might establish hyper- links to materials that would help illustrate the paintings and book references. I know just the middle schooler who I could gift this book. I look forward to the next three in the Sourland Mountain series.” - David Miron, PhD in Education
“Lovely! Drawing with Whitman is a fantastic for art-lovers Pre-teen & up! Also a great accompaniment for SEL. Definitely recommend!” - Megan Stytz, NBCT Art – NB Galloway & Pioneer Path Teacher
“A Culmination Of Creativity And A Labor Of Love. Having known the author personally during the 1990s, I was pleased to see that she was able to combine her extensive art history knowledge and her love of writing. It is a beautiful book and I am so proud of her. I eagerly await the next book.” – Eric Deaton
“My sister in New York has three kids and we just got back from her baby shower for the fourth. In addition to getting gifts from the registry for her and the baby, I also wanted to include something for each of her kids since it's a celebration for them too, you know? So I was looking at children's books on Amazon for her youngest, she just turned 9. Bought this and took it to the shower, just got a call today from my sister as a thank you and saying her daughter loved it! Definitely recommend.” – Chelsey Rose
“This book was a delightful story infused with enough art history points to make it a worthwhile read for all ages. The story also gently addresses the mental health needs all too often ignored in our society. As a secondary teacher, I applaud Ms. Mcglothlin for her honesty in her content, while being a talented storyteller.” – Amazon customer (Verified Purchase), 5-Star Review
“Enjoyable, Compassionate, Wholesome. Kristin McGlothlin knows her target audience! This is a must read for Pre-teens and parents alike.” – Tom Taylor
LISTEN
SOURLAND MOUNTAIN SERIES BOOK TWO
REVIEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story telling.
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great read for all middle grade students. Enjoyed how Kristin integrated music with family story. Good job!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Return to Sourland and explore themes of loss and abandonment mixed with JAZZ
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021
Kristin has done it again with a return to Sourland mountain in the Princeton NJ area. The charm of her books is the integration, in this book, of Jazz with understandable characters. An earlier book added poetry by Walt Whitman. The themes of abandonment and loss will appeal to this age group. The pain that teens might have experienced, in real life, are given voice through the 3 siblings characterized in this thoughtful book.
More Reviews
“Listen nuzzles its way into your heart like one of Gwilym’s not so scary Rottweilers, Baby and Bear. The potentially scary themes of mental illness and loss are wrapped in a Sourland Mountain world of acceptance and stability…My favorite aspect of the book was the use of the siblings to show three perspective on the mom’s abandonment, all valid and age appropriate, and the care given to the mom’s perspective. This was a tricky subject and Kristin handled it with care. My second favorite thing about the book was the incorporation of diversity (adoption, black/white/Chinese, Down syndrome) without it being the focus of the story or having much impact on the interaction of the characters. There wasn’t a stereotype in sight. I love that, adopted or not, Bex was named after her grandmother and her relationship with mom was not handled any differently that Clay’s or Gwilym’s.”
- River Gareth, writer
“A 13-year-old boy reconnects with his long-lost mother in this middle-grade novel. It’s Thanksgiving on Central New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain, and Gwilym Duckworthy has just finished the annual scavenger hunt with his diverse family when he receives a life-changing voicemail. His mother, who left Gwilym and his two older siblings in the care of their father when the teen was just 3 years old, will soon be in the area and wants to meet her youngest son for dinner. Gwilym isn’t sure what to do— he’s happy with his dad, his stepmom, and his siblings and friends and doesn’t initially tell them about his mother’s reemergence. Besides, she voluntarily packed up and abandoned them to pursue her professional music career, so why does she want to reconnect now? Gwilym ponders this as he goes through the motions of classes and his bicycle delivery job while choosing his instrument for the school band: the trumpet, which his mother also plays. As Gwilym and his mother begin to rebuild their relationship, he comes clean to his older brother Clay, who has Down syndrome, and his adopted sister, Bex, who is on the verge of getting a softball scholarship to college. The three tightknit siblings decide to watch their mother play a concert with her jazz band, processing the new relationship together. This moving novel is the second book in McGlothlin’s Sourland Mountain series, set in the backwoods of the unique area 20 minutes outside Princeton, New Jersey. The straightforward story delivers a strong cast of characters. Gwilym’s best friend, Cat Hamilton, who was featured in the series’ first book, Drawing With Whitman (2019), makes several appearances along with her family’s boarder, Benton Whitman, a quirky visual artist and descendant of Walt Whitman. Benton inspires Gwilym to see his passion for music in a whole new way. Gwilym’s world is small and intimate but distinct as well: Bex, a Black teen, was adopted as a baby, as was his cousin Hattie, who was born in China. In addition, the protagonist is sensitive and observant in ways that are realistic for a 13-year-old boy. A simple, touching tale of music and family.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“Listening is probably one of the most important traits in human communication, through which we learn and grow and love. I enjoyed reading LISTEN because of its intimacy and diversity, especially when the main character is introduced to new music and sounds and then exposed to Henri Matisse's Jazz book and the correlation between music and painting. Reading about Gwilym’s dilemmas and dreams, pains shared with his unique siblings Bex and Clay was a journey into growth and understanding. His diverse family gave a true feeling of universality and showed that anyone could have a family like that and be ok. The way they feel the pain of abandonment yet manage it, stay on top of it and not lose themselves is truly inspiring. When their long-gone mom goes fishing with them and establishes a new family “tradition,” we see that even deep and old pains can be overcome by choosing new ways of being. This is a book that gives the reader much enrichment and deals with big issues gracefully and humanely. Kudos to the author.” - Ganit Jennia Chodorov, author & educator
“Hearts Lost And Found. What a poignant and hopeful middle grade tale. Gwilym Duckworthy, 13, has a lovely family but a heart still broken after his mother left him and his sibs to join a jazz band. Quirky characters, the healing reunion with prodigal mom, chats about art, music, and creativity make this a must-read.” - Char Jones, Reviewer on Goodreads
“A heartwarming story about parental abandonment and forgiveness. Gwilym Duckworthy is a hero kids will recognize and cheer for!” - Shannon Hitchcock, author of One True Way and Ruby Lee & Me
“Preteens deal with complicated feelings - sometimes of abandonment, sometimes of figuring out their place in the world, sometimes just the challenges of navigating that in-between space of childhood and adolescence. Listen deftly walks the line of exploring these feelings without dragging down the plot or immersing the young reader in hopelessness. And then McGlothlin does the (seeming impossible) task of allowing her characters to explore solutions to the issues in Listen in a way that is accessible and doesn't feel like just another parental lecture. It's a delicate balance she has achieved - the book doesn't shy away from difficult feelings or dwell on them either. This is a great series for this age group - I could see McGlothlin dealing with many issues using the vehicle of Sourland Mountain. The community is engaging, and I sense that there are many more stories to tell.”
- Suzannah Kolbeck, Charm City Edibles
“Dedicated to the late great Roy Hargrove, whose Strasbourg/St. Denis is my fav…What a poignant and hopeful book for children. Gwilym Duckworthy, 13, has a lovely family and a heart still broken after his mother left him and his sibs to join a jazz band. I loved the quirky characters, the healing reconciliation with the prodigal mom after 10 years, and discussions of the link between art, music, and creativity. A charming tale not long enough (146 pages). Thankfully, another title in this Sourland Mountain Series comes out in the fall, so the story goes on. Hurrah!" ―Literary Redhead
“This is absolutely wonderful! I love it! Thank you so much for sharing it with me!” - Kat Idelman, Bucknell University Music Education Major