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. Recipient of four starred reviews! "[Park's] message is powerful: We don’t need a great blazing tragedy to determine what we hold most precious in our lives; we can define what’s vital through our thoughts and memories, always at hand, in our heads and hearts—safe, where the flames don’t reach."— New York Times Book Review 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 kids’ priorities and emotions, Linda Sue Park brings the varied voices of an inclusive classroom to life through carefully honed, engaging, and instantly accessible verse. Elegantly illustrated with black-and-white by Robert Sae-Heng art throughout. “Funny and poetic. [Park’s] message is powerful: We don’t need a great blazing tragedy to determine what we hold most precious in our lives; we can define what’s vital through our thoughts and memories, always at hand, in our heads and hearts — safe, where the flames don’t reach.” - The New York Times Book Review "Park’s verses provide a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of the preoccupations, loves, losses and aspirations of a diverse group of children and their teacher.... It’s impossible not to feel a sense of renewal from this thoughtful book." - BookPage ★ "Newbery Medalist Park presents a provocative collection of narrative poems inspired by sijo, a 14th-century Korean syllabic verse form.... Coupled with debut illustrator Sae-Heng’s accessible grayscale sketches of the objects, often in situ, Park’s subjects’ mementos offer middle-grade readers much food for thought regarding what one values and how others can touch one’s life.... Park’s extended rumination has the power to bring us home." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ "This is an ode to learning with a savvy and caring educator who knows how to build community and empathy by having students share their stories and who joins in their exercises (and is even convinced to change her mind)." - Horn Book (starred review) ★ "The class’s camaraderie and caring spirit comes through clearly, poised to inspire thoughtful classroom discussion." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) ★ "This is a combination of piquant premise and accessible, engaging text... that will invite both reluctant and enthusiastic literati to reconsider their possessions. It also cries out to be a classroom read or even readaloud." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) Linda Sue Park , Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water , is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com. Robert Sae-Heng is an artist who loves to travel and explore. His favorite things to draw are quaint chairs and seals, and he lives and works in London, England. The first children’s book he illustrated was The One Thing You’d Save , by Linda Sue Park. "Imagine that your home is on fire. You're allowed to save one thing. Your family and pets are safe, so don't worry about them. Your Most Important Thing. Any size. A grand piano? Fine." For once we got good homework, not useless stuff like worksheets. Best part is, Ms. Chang says we don't have to write anything down, just think about it so we can discuss it with everyone. We're supposed to pretend there's a fire, and we can save just one thing. Ms. Chang says size and weight don't matter'it could be anything. And don't worry about family or pets, they're already safe. Phew! Makes things harder, though, 'cause I would've saved my nana first. Arthritis'it hurts her to walk. If I tried to get her out, I'd have to hurry her up and tell her she doesn't need her good hat. Wonder what May's taking. Maybe I'll give her a call" HEY, THAT's IT! MY PHONE! I'll need it to tell all my friends, and besides, somebody's gotta call 9-1-1, right? One thing? That's impossible. How can I ever pick just one thing? I've got so much stuff I'd want to take. My books, for a start. My graphic novels and my manga, my Calvin and Hobbes' heck, my Neil deGrasse Tyson books, seven all by themselves! I couldn't pick a favorite, every one of them is awesome. Oh man, I hate this, I'm never gonna be able to decide. "Promise you won't think it's stupid?" 'How can I promise that, girl, when you didn't tell me what it is yet? You tell me first, then I tell you what I think, and you want me to be honest, right?" "Okay. It's a sweater." 'A