A book written in sijo, a 14th-century Korean poetic form, explores the things that matter to students in a (presumably) elementary classroom as they respond to a prompt offered by their teacher, Ms. Chang: Imagine your home is on fire and you’re allowed to save one thing (other than animals or humans, who have already been evacuated in this hypothetical situation). What would you save? Each poem, whether a monologue or dialogue, offers an answer. Responses vary widely, from the practical (glasses, wallet, Mom’s insulin) to sentimental (a sweater knitted by Grandma, a second-place science fair plaque, a program from a special baseball game). Ms. Chang weighs in with her own thoughtful answer. Unattributed dialogue provides a sense of conversation taking place in real time. Accompanying grayscale illustrations depict many of the treasured objects that students would save. (Ages 7-11)

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. Illustrated with black-and-white art.

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 tweens' priorities and emotions, Linda Sue Park brings the varied voices of an inclusive classroom to life through carefully honed, engaging, and instantly accessible verse.