The Life and Times of Asheville's Thomas Wolfe

Gr 5 Up—Born and raised in Asheville, NC, at the turn of the century, Thomas Wolfe went on to become a celebrated author. Although he achieved success in college as a budding playwright, as an adult he turned to writing lengthy, largely autobiographical novels. Initially, his writings made him unpopular in his hometown because of their candid depictions of specific people, but by the end of his life, in 1938, he had reconciled with the city of Asheville. Prince's concise biography draws from primary sources, such as Wolfe's letters and school assignments, to describe his upbringing, education, and career. She portrays him as gifted, commenting that "Tom's writing talent became evident in his teen years" and asserting that "his importance to American literature is undeniable." The story of Wolfe's life is divided into 18 chapters, each just a few pages long, with photographs of Wolfe, his friends and family members, places he lived or visited, and famous people of his day. Prince also offers useful historical context by making references to historic events and popular culture, including the Wright brothers' first flight, the popularity of the teddy bear, and the performances of Harry Houdini. Although this biography includes vocabulary best suited for middle schoolers or even high schoolers, the book's brevity and illustrations make it accessible as a read-aloud for older elementary students.