What I like most about the compliments I receive is that they often focus on changes I've been able to make in reluctant readers and writers. It is easy to inspire a love of poetry in children who love books, but the thing that really helps me connect with children of all levels is my storytelling. It would be deadly dull just to read my poems and talk about the writing process. Instead, I tell them where my poems come from, and I make it easy for them to find their own poems. If I have been able to get them excited about their own family stories, to get them to write their own odes to family heroes, then I feel I have done good work.



Liz Barber, Virginia Tech/Roanoke Valley Professional Development Collaboration

"The right book in the right kid's hands can be a revolution–from GOOD LUCK GOLD to THE TRIP BACK HOME, Janet Wong's books teach kids of all ages to read, to see, and to care about things both within and beyond our own backyards."

Ted Humphrey, Professor of English, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

"Janet Wong is one of the most dynamic performers of poetry I've had the pleasure of hearing and watching. Dynamic, original, personable, Janet is a delight, a born and practiced teacher who understands and reveals how to encourage creativity in the classroom – and in the hearts and souls of all of us."

Geoff, fifth grade student

"My favorite poem...is To Caged Birds at the Poultry Store. I think that it says so much about the world, not only about chickens. To me it says that not being the best is okay, and that one day it will all work out."

Kathleen Armstrong, Middle School English Dept. Chair, Mary Institute and Country Day School, St. Louis, Missouri

"Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School loves poetry and Janet Wong! We were lucky enough to have her spend two days with us in April of 1999. She inspired our students to find the importance of everyday things in our lives and to write wonderful poetry about our discoveries. To put it poetically: [Janet Wong is] A jewel box/ tiny/dressed in black/--but when the box/is opened/within, a sparkling jewel/shines forth/whose many facets/delight and fascinate us."

Noah, sixth grade student

"Since you came to talk to the school, I have been very inspired in poetry. Now when I have free time, I write a poem."

Margaret Martin, Mercer Island Library/King County Library System, Mercer Island, WA

"Anyone who can hold the attention of a 3-year old and enthrall junior high students [at the same time] is quite outstanding! ... The participatory element was a real winner with the kids. I loved the way you brought us right into your poems with your experiences...What tremendous imagery!"

Tyler, primary/multiage student

"I really like how your poems talk about your life and aren't fantasies...It was also really awesome when you made drawings...On a scale from one to ten, you're a ten!"

Lesley Fontanilla, California Reading & Literature Project California State University, Stanislaus

"Ms. Wong's interactive and engaging presentation inspired all of us in the audience to go back to our classrooms and share poetry with our students. [We thank her] for showing us that there is poetry inside of all of us – it's just waiting to be set free!"

Stephanie, middle school student

"Now I have the encouragement to make a few poems of my own and if someone laughs at them I will just think of you...[I will] try to find that courage within myself and say, "Well I like it but I still am not done, I still will go on and practice and try to make these poems even better than they are now."

Shelly Fredman, Teacher, Newbridge School

"Your warmth and talent motivated even my toughest students. X, one of my third graders, was especially moved by you. It is usually difficult for X to focus on his work, but he was so captivated by you, he was inspired to write poetry!"