Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty, by Linda Glaser, paintings by Claire A. Nivola -- Day 74

Emma Lazarus grew up in comfortable circumstances in a loving family in New York City; she loved to read and write and study languages and literature. As an older adult exploring her German Jewish heritage, she was deeply moved by the anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia in the 1880s. She began to write articles about the immigrant experience, and in a very immediate way she advocated for impoverished Jewish refugees coming to America. Lazarus was asked to write a poem in honor of France’s gift of a large statue for New York Harbor signifying both nations’ commitment to the pursuit of liberty. She thought long and hard about the meaning of the statue to those viewing it, particularly newly arriving immigrants – and what the statue would want to say if she were a real person. Her welcoming poem helped raise money for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and was read at its dedication in 1883. Though Lazarus did not live to see the iconic statue installed in 1886, her poem remains on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty and is, along with the statue itself, a moving symbol of America’s commitment to liberty for all. Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty, written in gently poetic text by Linda Glaser with detailed, light-filled paintings by Claire A. Nivola, is an affecting picture book introduction to Lazarus and her famous poem “The New Colossus.” Ages 4-9.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

MOTHER OF EXILES. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Teammates, by Peter Golenbock, illustrated by Paul Bacon -- Day 73

Young people today may know the names of baseball’s legendary heroes such as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Jackie Robinson. They may or may not know the stories behind these legends; Peter Golenbock’s Teammates introduces them to an important one. African American and Latino baseball players had been performing for enthusiastic audiences in the United States since the latter half of the nineteenth century as the sport grew in popularity. But: they could not play in the major leagues due to segregation, and in the 1940s there were still just two Negro Leagues in which they could participate. Then forward-looking general manager Branch Rickey began scouting for good players regardless of their skin color; he “wanted to treat the Dodger fans to the best players he could find.” Knowing that the history of discrimination would make his entry into the major leagues hard, Jackie Robinson signed on with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 ready to do his best. Robinson faced viciousness, nasty names and even worse threats on the field and off. He was snubbed by players on his team, and even had to live by himself on the road where hotels accommodated only white players. Then, during a difficult game against the Cincinnati Reds, the crowd screamed awful things at Jackie, and teammate Pee Wee Reese said to himself, “Enough.” He strode from shortstop to first base and, smiling reassuringly at Jackie, placed his arm around his shoulders. They conversed, Jackie smiled back, and the crowd grew silent as Reese returned to his position at shortstop. This was a momentous sign to the world of baseball and beyond that there was no place for racism here. This moving picture book is illustrated with wonderful watercolors by Paul Bacon and by photos and news clippings of the times. Ages 5-10.

Who Was Jackie Robinson? by Gail Herman is a chapter book biography providing an in-depth look at Jackie’s skill as an athlete and his strength as a person, ideal for readers ages 8-12.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, by Virginia Lee Burton -- Day 72

No child should miss hearing the story of Mike Mulligan and his trusty Mary Anne. First published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton is, in the words of one reviewer, “the very symbol of industrial America.” But for children, it is the immediate process of making things happen – in this case digging canals, roads through the mountains and, finally, the cellar of the new town hall in Popperville – that fascinates. Against all odds and the opinions of others in the community, Mike firmly believes that “old fashioned” Mary Anne can dig as much in a day as one hundred men in a week. Well, stand by for the answer. The ending is sweet and causes us to pause and consider the benefits of reuse and recycle, solid infrastructure, and even meaningful paths in retirement if one considers the whole of society! The overriding themes of dedication, friendship, hard work and ingenuity – complete with Burton’s memorable illustrations – make this a plain good story. Ages 3-7.