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In this provocative discussion-starter about what really matters, Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park's linked poems capture the diverse voices of a middle school class answering the question: ?If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?? Recipient of four starred reviews."[Park's] message is powerful: We don't need a great blazing tragedy to determine what we hold most precious in our lives; we can define what's vital through our thoughts and memories, always at hand, in our heads and hearts?safe, where the flames don't reach."?
New York Times Book ReviewWhen a teacher asks her class what one thing they would save in an emergency, some students know the answer right away. Others come to their decisions more slowly. And some change their minds when they hear their classmates' responses. A lively dialog ignites as the students discover unexpected facets of one another?and themselves.
With her ear for authentic dialog and knowledge of kids' priorities and emotions, Linda Sue Park brings the varied voices of an inclusive classroom to life through carefully honed, engaging, and instantly accessible verse. Elegantly illustrated with black-and-white by Robert Sae-Heng art throughout.
About the author
Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.
Robert Sae-Heng is an artist who loves to travel and explore. His favorite things to draw are quaint chairs and seals, and he lives and works in London, England. The first children’s book he illustrated was The One Thing You’d Save, by Linda Sue Park.
Summary
In this provocative discussion-starter about what really matters, Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park’s linked poems capture the diverse voices of a middle school class answering the question: “If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?” Recipient of four starred reviews.
"[Park's] message is powerful: We don’t need a great blazing tragedy to determine what we hold most precious in our lives; we can define what’s vital through our thoughts and memories, always at hand, in our heads and hearts—safe, where the flames don’t reach."—New York Times Book Review
When a teacher asks her class what one thing they would save in an emergency, some students know the answer right away. Others come to their decisions more slowly. And some change their minds when they hear their classmates’ responses. A lively dialog ignites as the students discover unexpected facets of one another—and themselves.
With her ear for authentic dialog and knowledge of kids’ priorities and emotions, Linda Sue Park brings the varied voices of an inclusive classroom to life through carefully honed, engaging, and instantly accessible verse. Elegantly illustrated with black-and-white by Robert Sae-Heng art throughout.
