The One Thing You'd Save

If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save? Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park explores different answers to this provocative question in linked poems that capture the diverse voices of a middle school class. 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.

Author: Linda Sue Park
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 03/16/2021
Pages: 72
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 8.10h x 6.40w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781328515131
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513416 / One Thing You'd Save


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/25/2021
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2021
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2021 - Book Of Special Distinction
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2021 pg. 140
Booklist 09/07/2021

About the Author

Linda Sue Park's books include A Single Shard, Prairie Lotus, and A Long Walk to Water. She is on the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books and lives in western New York. www.lindasuepark.com Twitter: @LindaSuePark.

Robert Sae-Heng is a London-based illustrator and teacher. www.robertsaeheng.com, Twitter and Instagram: @robertsaeheng.