EMMA'S POEM: THE VOICE OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

EMMA'S POEM by Linda Glaser. Illustrated Claire A. Nivola

I love when people tell me about a book they think I might enjoy. This morning I was doubly blessed. Not only was I told about one, but I was handed a copy for my personal library. Thank you to a special friend!

I love picture book biographies, and Emma's Poem by Linda Glaser is breathtaking.

Emma Lazarus grew up in a wealthy, Jewish family in New York City. One day she had the opportunity to visit Ward's Island which at that time was the door where immigrants entered the United States. Clearly cut to the heart at seeing these worn and tattered people, she set out to make a difference. Even though her life was cut short, we still feel the effects of her today when we read one of her most famous poems, The New Colossus, penned about The Statue of Liberty. May we ignite a passion to care for others in our children as we read them this book. May we all strive to make the plight of a fellow human a little more bearable.

Claire A. Nivola's artwork in this picture book is fantastic. I really enjoyed just going through the book and looking at the pictures.The attention to detail and especially Emma's expression as she encounters the immigrants is very soul touching.

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITY- see suggestions from my post a few days ago about The Statue of Liberty. Also review the questions that Emma asked herself about what the immigrants would ask when they saw the statue and what the statue would say if she could speak to the immigrants. This is a great opportunity to teach about getting behind the eyes of another person to understand them better.