Neimark (Myth Maker: J.R.R. Tolkien) competently chronicles the tragedy- and triumph-laced life of folksinger and activist Woody Guthrie (1912–1967).The author's narrative meanders somewhat—perhaps fittingly, given the wanderings of this "political hillbilly" and "hayseed minstrel with a mind like quicksilver." A nimble use of quotes from Guthrie's songs and autobiography imparts a sense of his unique voice. Noting that his proposal, at the age of 20, to his 15-year-old sweetheart was nixed by her father, Neimark adds, "He decided it was only a matter of turning things around…. Until then, he would just keep 'groovin' it, greazin' it, dreamin' it, schemin' it.' " But certain themes may be hard for readers to follow. For example, Woody's mother, Nora, was institutionalized; Neimark discloses Nora's diagnosis, of Huntington's chorea (which Woody and two of his children were to inherit), only when Woody learns of it, upon her death, and then almost in passing. Elizabeth Partridge's recent This Land Was Made for You and Me
(Children's Forecasts, Feb. 25) offers not only greater depth, detail and context but fresher sources. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)
