# A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams - Hardcover

by **Jen Bryant** (Author), **Melissa Sweet** (Illustrator)

**2009 Caldecott Honor Book**  
**An ALA Notable Book**  
**A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book**  
**A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book**  
**NCTE Notable Children's Book**

When he wrote poems, he felt as free as the Passaic River as it rushed to the falls. Willie's notebooks filled up, one after another. Willie's words gave him freedom and peace, but he also knew he needed to earn a living. So he went off to medical school and became a doctor -- one of the busiest men in town Yet he never stopped writing poetry. In this picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, Jen Bryant's engaging prose and Melissa Sweet's stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.

**Number of Pages:** 34

**Dimensions:** 0.4 x 10.2 x 9.2 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** August 01, 2008

**Award:** Delaware Diamonds Award (2010)

**Award:** Keystone to Reading Book Award (2010)

**Award:** Lupine Award (2008)

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

**Interest Level:** Lower Grades, K-3

**Reading Level:** 4.6

**Point Value:** 0.5

## Details

- **Price:** 18.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 18.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams - Hardcover

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> Updated: 2026-07-23