Books with author Janet S. Wong

These are the gifts brought across the ocean to Korea: Leather gloves. An apron with pockets like flowers. A book with pictures and simple words. What is given in return? Simple gifts like these--and so much more. Janet S. Wong invites us to join her on the trip back home, revealing that even when family members speak different languages, there is still much they can share.

"With its new content, this poetry collection now offers layers of meaning both literary and practical, making it a strong resource for teachers of creative writing, school libraries, and anyone interested in exploring identity and belonging.” —KirkusIn A Suitcase of Seaweed, an NYPL Best Book for the Teen Age originally published in 1996, Janet Wong explored issues of identity in sections defined as Korean Poems, Chinese Poems, and American Poems. In this new book, A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED & MORE, readers will find the original text plus new reflections, insights, and writing prompts accompanying each poem.—A Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies—Recognition of Merit Award, George G. Stone Center for Children’s Books—NYPL Book for the Teen Age“Wong was born in America of Chinese and Korean heritage, but the basic subjects she addresses in stanzas of free verse aim at the heart of any family, any race.” —School Library Journal

Acclaimed poet Janet Wong is known for her eclectic range of topics, and this collection is no exception. Twenty poems explore liberty, kids’ rights, free speech, political debates, unusual presidential candidates, the two-party system, voting, the electoral college, and more. "A Voter's Journal" appears at the end of the book, featuring a dozen writing prompts and a discussion guide with space for journal entries. These poems are simple enough for a second grader to understand, yet complex enough to start interesting discussions among people of all ages. An author’s note urges readers to “look around, read the news, talk about what’s going on in the world, vote (or encourage people to vote)—and take the initiative to contribute, in your own best way.” This is a perfect gift for a new voter or for a classroom teacher to use during the election season. Readers of all ages are encouraged to post their thoughts about voting and politics at TheDeclarationofInterdependenceBlog.blogspot.com. Here is the poem “Liberty”: Liberty I pledge acceptance of the views, so different, that make us America To listen, to look, to think, and to learn One people sharing the earth responsible for liberty and justice for all.

Janet Wong is the leading Asian American poet for children and her first book, Good Luck Gold, is considered a classic in multicultural literature. Good Luck Gold is approaching its 20th anniversary; it was the first collection of children's poetry to include Asian American themes. Janet Wong's sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous, and always original poems explore her Chinese and Korean heritage in a book about "just growing up" in contemporary America. This edition of Wong's original 42 poems includes the often-reprinted "Waiting at the Railroad Cafe," "Noise," and "Noodles," plus a new Author's Note at the end. Janet Wong received the Recognition of Merit Award from the Claremont Graduate School for this first collection as well as her second collection, A Suitcase of Seaweed (a NYPL Best Book for the Teen Age and a NCSS Notable Trade Book).

In this collection of 36 poems, award-winning poet Janet Wong covers familiar territory: everything from parents as air bags ("in your face") to car shows to cop stops, hitchhiking to unlucky license plates, parking manners, crashing, insurance, and learning to drive. This book will remind drivers of all ages of their own funny and poignant driving stories and inspire you to write some of your own; a great gift for new drivers.Award notes: this book was an ABA "Pick of the Lists" and an ALA/YALSA "Quick Pick for Reluctant YA Readers."

Acclaimed poet Janet Wong is known for her eclectic range of topics, and this collection enhances her reputation with 20 poems about liberty, kids’ rights, free speech, political debates, unusual presidential candidates, the two-party system, voting, a declaration of interdependence, and more. These poems are simple enough for a second grader to understand, yet complex enough to start interesting discussions among people of all ages, especially teens. An author’s note urges readers to “look around, read the news, talk about what’s going on in the world, vote (or encourage people to vote)—and take the initiative to contribute, in your own best way.” This revised edition includes an updated version of "The 2012 Iowa Caucus" as well as a Discussion Guide at the end of the book to inspire readers to discuss and write about political issues. Readers are encouraged to join the discussion at The Declaration of Interdependence Blog.Here is the poem “Liberty”:LibertyI pledge acceptanceof the views,so different,that make us AmericaTo listen, to look,to think, and to learnOne peoplesharing the earthresponsiblefor libertyand justice for all.About the author:Janet Wong was born and raised in California, the child of Korean and Chinese immigrants. She obtained a B.A. in History from UCLA and a J.D. from Yale Law School. Janet worked for a few years as a lawyer, then decided to write full-time for children and teens. Her work has a wide range, including picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, and books about writing. Janet’s poems have been featured in some unusual venues, such as on 5,000 subway and bus posters as part of New York City’s “Poetry in Motion” program. In addition, she has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and CNN, and has read her books at the White House. www.janetwong.comTheDeclarationOfInterdependenceBlog.blogspot.com