Janet S. Wong

Janet S. Wong (www.janetwong.com) is an award-winning author and anthologist of three dozen books for young readers, teachers, and parents. One of the most distinctive things about Janet Wong's body of work is its variety. There's at least one book for anyone—and EVERYONE!

PICTURE BOOKS

ALEX AND THE WEDNESDAY CHESS CLUB

How about giving chess a try? There's a whole community of kids who love playing chess and have fun doing it online and in person. Chess is great exercise for the mind—and fun, too!

APPLE PIE 4th of JULY

This book landed Janet a gig at the White House—and reminds us of the importance of diversity and inclusion.

HOMEGROWN HOUSE

Gorgeous illustrations by E.B. Lewis enhance this story about making a house feel like a home.

POETRY COLLECTIONS

A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED & MORE

In this reissue of the classic book A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED, each of the original poems is accompanied by a prose piece about the poem and by writing prompts. An NCTE Poetry Notable.

KNOCK ON WOOD: Poems about Superstitions

Kids love learning about superstitions—especially lucky things that they can do! Use this book as a starting point and have kids interview family members about their own superstitions.

TWIST: Yoga Poems

This book will get yoga fans of all ages stretching their minds and bodies in their favorite poses.

GOOD LUCK GOLD

This first book by Janet Wong is a classic collection of poems about the Asian American experience. Claremont Graduate School Recognition of Merit Award.

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Poems about Driving

Forty poems for teens about driving also use driving as a metaphor for a wide variety of life issues. YALSA Quick Pick for YA Readers.

THE RAINBOW HAND: Poems about Mothers and Children

This book makes a perfect gift for new mothers with poems reflecting on the motherhood experience such as "The Gift of Breathing Slow."

ONCE UPON A TIGER: New Beginnings for Endangered Animals

"Pourquoi tale" poems about endangered animals, with embedded facts and nonfiction notes.

DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE: Poems for an Election Year

Although these mostly-lighthearted and nonpartisan poems were written a few election cycles ago, the messages of participation and liberty still apply.

CHAPTER BOOKS

ME AND ROLLY MALOO

This hybrid graphic novel sparks discussions about cheating (why we do it and how to say no). A Horace Mann Upstanders Award Honor Book.

MINN AND JAKE

This "easy reader for 5th graders" focuses on the unlikely friendship between a lizard-loving girl and a tech geek. A Washington Sasquatch finalist and BCCB Blue Ribbon Award winner.

MINN AND JAKE'S ALMOST TERRIBLE SUMMER

In this sequel to the popular MINN AND JAKE, Jake visits his old home in Los Angeles and learns "you can't go back home again."

BOOKS ABOUT WRITING

YOU HAVE TO WRITE

A picture book about the writing and revision process—used widely in school districts nationwide.

BEFORE IT WRIGGLES AWAY

A "Meet the Author" book that gives insight into the writing process with a "just do it" message to put ideas down on paper "before they wriggle away."

POETRY ANTHOLOGIES CREATED WITH SYLVIA VARDELL

HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING: Need a break? Hop to it! This book of 100 poems by 90 poets features movement poems, pandemic poems, and social justice poems.

GREAT MORNING! POEMS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS TO READ ALOUD: "Morning announcement" poems on respect, mindfulness, inclusion, safety, and other important topics.

THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS: 150+ poems on holidays. Each poem is in English and Spanish, with teaching tips in the Teacher/Librarian Edition and illustrations in the Student Edition.

THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR SCIENCE: 200+ poems on science with mini-lessons tied to the NGSS in the Teacher/Librarian Edition and illustrations in the Student Edition (called THE POETRY OF SCIENCE).

THE POETRY FRIDAY POWER BOOK SERIES: These are interactive writing journals featuring stories in poems; readers are encouraged to write in these books.

PET CRAZY: For pet lovers in Grades K-4.

HERE WE GO: For kids in Grades 3-8 who want to make a difference in the world.

YOU JUST WAIT: For tweens and teens who are interested in soccer, basketball, food, and movies.

ABOUT JANET WONG:

When Janet Wong is not writing, speaking at teacher conferences, or sharing writing tips with children in schools via Zoom and in person, she spends most of her time at her home in Princeton, NJ with her husband and their very opinionated dog. See more at janetwong.com and pomelobooks.com.