Unless they have visited the Statue of Liberty, many young children may not have heard of the poet Emma Lazarus. This picture book biography tells the fascinating story of the woman whose poem, "The New Colossus" is engraved on a plaque in the Statue of Liberty. From the time she was a young girl, Emma loved learning and writing. She kept a notebook which she filled with her poetry. It is a little-known fact that at Emma's request, Ralph Waldo Emerson served as her writing coach. As she became increasingly more aware of the difficulties and injustices immigrants coming to the United States experienced, Emma wrote newspaper articles, plays and poems to raise awareness and change attitudes.
Although in picture book format, LIBERTY'S VOICE tells a story that will interest readers of all ages. The bright watercolor illustrations wonderfully capture the feeling of the nineteenth century. This book may even inspire a family trip to Liberty Park and Ellis Island.
2011
C. Buchanan
