Books published by publisher PoetrySuitcase

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