Emma's Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty
What’s inside...
A celebration of our nation's melting pot, this beautifully illustrated origin story of the Statue of Liberty honors a poet who has advocated for the voiceless. 'Give me your tired, your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . .' In 1883, Emma Lazarus, deeply moved by an influx of immigrants from eastern Europe, wrote a sonnet that gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty. Originally a gift from France to celebrate our shared national struggles for liberty, the statue, thanks to Emma's poem, came to define us as a nation that welcomes immigrants. The text of that now famous poem, 'The New Colossus,' appears in this free-verse biography, illustrated in an exquisite folk art style. The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 4-5, Poetry).
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Emma Lazarus meant when she called the Statue of Liberty the 'Mother of Exiles'?
How do you feel about the idea of welcoming people from other countries? Why do you think it's important?
Can you think of a time when you felt welcomed? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think the Statue of Liberty is such a powerful symbol for freedom and hope?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by providing context about the Statue of Liberty and its significance as a symbol of freedom and hope.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the themes of welcome and acceptance found in the poem.
Relate personal family stories or historical accounts involving immigration to help your child connect emotionally with the poem.
Ask your child to imagine and describe how they might feel seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time as a newcomer to America.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book tells the story of Emma Lazarus, who was moved by the plight of immigrants and wrote the famous poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. Her actions demonstrate deep empathy and compassion towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers or people in different situations, promoting kindness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Words
Explanation: Emma uses her talent in writing to make a significant impact, illustrating that words can inspire change and instill hope.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express themselves through writing or speaking, understanding that their words have the power to influence and uplift others.
Example Lesson: Activism and Advocacy
Explanation: Emma Lazarus actively advocated for the rights of immigrants, showing that taking action for a cause can lead to positive changes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stand up for what they believe in, be it in their community, school, or among friends, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: By focusing on the immigrant experience, the story highlights the diversity and struggles of different cultures arriving in America.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and celebrate different cultural backgrounds, enhancing social harmony and understanding.