A review by divineblkpearl
The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

For the #kidlit & poetry fans: I recently read 'The One Thing You'd Save' by Linda Sue Park--a teacher asking her middle school class about what they'd save in their home caught fire- 10/10 would do it again! WHOLESOME BOOK! All the kids shine with their answers-- 

In the author's note, she writes that she borrowed the line structure from sijo. An ancient form of Korean poetry. I love this handling of something older for a children's book-introducing new readers to not only poetry but a piece of your culture. 

What can't be understated is the story--instead of an individual poem per kid--the story is alive! Students and the teacher-Ms. Chang interjecting and commenting. It's busy at times, quiets at others--paced great with so much personality and warmth! 

From the practical answers of what to save in case of a fire: someone's mom's insulin kit, someone's dad's wallet--to sentimental--a sweater unraveled and knitted twice by grandmothers to what looks like that universe's version of Pokemon cards!!! (Art by Robert Sae-Heng ) While the black and white art works for a majority for the small piece of art inserted [The dog], there were a number of illustrations that would have lit up the scene , I bet, if colored! [The beach scene, the laptop, the tea boxes]

'The One Thing You'd Save' is a short but thought provoking read. The kids shine even tho it is a brief book. Accessible Prose, (could help kids rethink poetry as a whole) fun B & W art [I had BIG feels with the dog illo] for the 8 - 12 Years age range. Wholesome experience! 
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