The One Thing You'd Save

Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue, 2021. THE ONE THING YOU'D SAVE. Ill. by Robert Sae-Heng. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books. ISBN 9781328515131.

Plot Summary
In her classroom, Ms. Chang has asked the students an important question: if your home was on fire, what would be the one thing you could save? Their families and pets are safe, so students must think about the single most important thing in their life, one they cannot live without. The answers she receives are priceless. 

Critical Analysis 
Linda Sue Park has created a thoughtful story in the form of narrative poems inspired by the Korean poetry form sijo. The story is a poem collection in which a classroom teacher, Ms. Chang, asks her students an important question, which single object would you save in an emergency. Families and pets are safe from the emergency, size and weight is not a concern, which leaves room for the students to really think about the objects that matter the most to them. Each poem shares the in depth thinking and empathetic reasoning the students undergo as they contemplate their single most prized possession, the one item they could not live without. Some of these items do not even belong to the students, but to an important person in their life, meaning their happiness is knowing those around them are safe and happy. The items range from sweaters, plaques, game cards, china animal collection, insulin kits, to dog collars. Reading through each reasoning behind each item will bring readers to believe in the kindness and innocence children hold in their hearts. It will encourage readers to think of what is their most prized possession and why it holds such great importance. It is also noted the respectful and inclusive environment Ms. Chang creates in her classroom. Students are reminded to protect, affect, and respect one another as they discuss this sentimental question and listen to their peers answers. 

Robert Sae-Heng's grayscale, modern illustrations help portray each student's answer to the important question posed by their teacher. Each sketch is brought up close and provides readers with a better understanding of each students' answers and look into their home lives. Each sketch shows the diversity and uniqueness amongst the classroom, bringing together students interests and family cultures along the way. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- ALA Notable Children's Book, 2022
- Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, 2022
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Park's extended rumination has the power to bring us home."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: "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)."

Connections
- Fans of Linda Sue Park will enjoy the short poems, reading through every students sentimental answer to the question. 
- The main question posed in the story would be a good journal response question and the story is a wonderful supporting text to use. This question is guaranteed to receive thoughtful answers in return.
- Similar book recommendations:
Davis, Tanita S., 2023. PARTLY CLOUDLY. ISBN 9780062937018.
Park, Linda Sue, 2011. A SINGLE SHARD. ISBN 9780547534268.

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