Emma and her friend Jake stood on the boat. They looked at the big green statue. "Wow! She is so tall!" said Emma. Jake smiled. "That is the Statue of Liberty," he said. "She is very special." Emma asked, "Why is she green?" "She is made of copper," said Jake. "The air made her turn green over time." Emma thought that was cool. The statue held a torch high in the air.

A Special Statue

"The Statue of Liberty was a gift," Jake explained. "France gave it to America long ago." Emma's eyes got big. "A whole statue as a gift? That is amazing!" she said. Jake nodded. "Yes! It shows that France and America are friends." Emma smiled. "I give my friends small gifts. But a statue is really big!" They both laughed. The statue reminded people that friendship matters. Emma felt happy learning this.

A Gift of Friendship

The boat got closer to the statue. "See her crown?" asked Jake. "It has seven points for seven seas and seven continents." Emma counted on her fingers. "She welcomes people from everywhere!" she said. Jake agreed. "Long ago, many people came to America by boat. The statue was the first thing they saw. It meant they were safe now." Emma understood. "So she says 'welcome' to everyone." "Exactly!" said Jake.

A Symbol of Welcome

"Now I know why she is important," Emma said proudly. "She reminds us to be friends with everyone." Jake added, "And to welcome people who are different from us." Emma looked at the torch. "The torch is like a light showing the way." "Yes! Freedom and hope," said Jake. Emma felt proud. The Statue of Liberty was more than just a statue. She was a symbol of kindness. Emma would remember this special day forever.

Why She Matters

wears a blue jacket and has a curious smile

Emma

Jake

describe why the Statue of Liberty is important for students who have special needs. text should be simple for them to read