WHAT EMMA WROTE

A profile of Emma Lazarus (1849-1887), the poet who composed the words inscribed on the bronze plaque on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

Growing up in a wealthy New York City family, Emma adored writing. She penned “stories about ancient kings. Poems about brave goddesses. Essays about biblical heroes.” Emma’s proud parents had a book of her poems printed to share with friends and relatives. But Emma longed to do more with her talent, and when she overheard family friends complaining about immigrants (“They are so poor,” “Their clothing is ragged”), she was galvanized. Descended from Sephardic Jews who faced persecution, Emma felt a kinship with Jewish immigrants who fled Russian pogroms. She helped new arrivals obtain food and clothing and started a school for them. She published articles about her experiences and one day was invited to write a poem for the Statue of Liberty; years later, her words still reverberate. In this concise, accessible biography, Emma emerges as a thoughtful activist and writer who used her words to effect real change. Taran’s stylish, elegant illustrations complement Koffsky’s prose. Author and illustrator draw an intriguing parallel between an impoverished mother Emma encounters on Wards Island and Emma’s conception of the Statue of Liberty: If the statue could talk, Emma thinks, “she would be like a mother, welcoming her children home”—insightful commentary that should provoke discussion among readers.

An eye-opening look at a writer who spoke truth to power.