H.S. Moore, a writer and teacher of Hebrew and Jewish studies, provides an intriguing look at the life of poet Emma Lazarus, whose poem, "The New Colossus," about America's immigrant population, is emblazoned on the base of the Statue of Liberty and is perhaps one of the best known, most quoted poems by an American.

Liberty's Poet: Emma Lazarus begins the story with Emma as a shy, upper class Jewish girl who aspires to be a poet. Clearly the product of much research, the book gives a detailed account of such important events as Emma's friendship with mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, the best known American poet of his day.

Moore fictionalizes Emma's life, combining known facts with imaginative retellings of life in the Lazarus household. Because these retellings are enriched with details of both 19th century life and of Emma's biography, such as the tragic loss of a family member, the story comes alive to the reader.

The book seems geared at readers age 11 and up. The short chapters make it palatable to younger readers, and the writing style is clear and direct. The vocabulary is likewise accessible to younger readers, while not being so simplistic as to turn off older ones.

The only thing that would have improved this book would have been to include more examples of Emma's poetry. Other than the famous poem itself, only one other long poem is included. Stanzas or sample lines from other poems might have been a good idea. Undoubtedly, though, the book will make readers turn to her works to read more from the poet whose best known words are so often quoted.

TurnKey Press, 2005: ISBN 0-9754803-4-0