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. 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 edition includes a revised version of "The 2012 Iowa Caucus" as well as a Discussion Guide at the end of the book. Readers also are invited to respond to this book by posting 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.
