The ever constant Statue of Liberty holds “the powerful light / of a mighty lamp / [that] shines / for all!"

She shines as generations of immigrants join their families on our shores with anticipation and fear. She glows for the survivors of war, famine, and natural disasters. Her light radiates around immigrants as they seek acceptance, freedom, and equality. She doesn’t dim or shy away from acknowledging the bitter story of the United States’ cruel beginning; “her light leaps, loops, / weaves, and dances, creating / shared hope / for all.” Newbery honoree and Pura Belpré winner Engle magnificently showcases the immigrant experience, exquisitely bringing stories to life. Her lyrical text is flawlessly amplified by illustrator Colón’s signature deeply saturated hues and crosshatched textures. Arresting double-page spreads invite closer looks, from the harrowing journeys of refugee families to visions of the diverse children—future doctors, artists, and farmers—as they find new paths in a land that isn’t always accepting of those that are different. Even as they acknowledge imperfection, both text and illustrations exalt the Statue of Liberty, which nevertheless “remains a beautiful symbol of freedom and equality, inspiring dreams of feeling welcomed, and of welcoming others.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Will inspire young readers to embody the virtues of Lady Liberty and welcome newcomers with empathy and acceptance.

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED, September 1, 2021

This picture book shares the general perspective of immigrants with young readers, shining a spotlight on the Statue of Liberty, often revered as a symbol of freedom, equality, and American pride and dreams. On the one hand, Lady Liberty upholds those values here, providing a land of promise and opportunity for immigrant children and families, who are depicted in a range of diverse backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. But Engle, through brief poetic lines, also gives space to the fact that the U.S. has an embroiled history of disenfranchising and mistreating marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples and African Americans. Colón’s dreamy, textured, and vibrant illustrations, which have a colored-pencil feel, will help readers imagine both the positive and negative aspects of immigration and gain understanding of how young immigrants might feel. Ultimately, the text makes the case that the Statue of Liberty and America provide a beacon of hope for those searching for new opportunities and that, despite the hardships, it’s a beautiful thing to love both your homeland and your new country.

– Booklist, October 1, 2021