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. ( )

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

excellent bio of Woody Guthrie his life and times ( )

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 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. ( )

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 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. ( )