POETRY #2

Book Review For:

 

 

Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 9780618616800

 

            THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS is a topical anthology containing apology-related poems by sixth grade students and the poetic responses they received from others. The quaint, colorful illustrations, sometimes decorated with typed words, draw the reader in right away. On the front cover, a girl releases a bird carrying a letter from a cage, symbolizing the release of the apology and the bad feelings associated with it, and the drawn binding and stitches indicate that talented novices created this special book.

            The introduction by one of the sixth grade students informs readers of the context in which the book was made, and the classic poem THIS IS JUST TO SAY by William Carlos Williams is presented to indicate the example apology poem that the students used as a springboard for their own poems.

            I thought it was unfortunate that the book was divided into two parts: the first for apologies and the second for the responses. I had to flip back and forth to find out how the apology was received. Nonetheless, the variety of poem types, from haikus to two-part poems, and the many different subjects were highly entertaining. This book of poetry is likely to hold children’s attention, and since it was written by children, they will be able to identify with the situations and subjects.

            One poem, BROWNIES – OOPS!, uses phrases like “a wafting wave of chocolate-ness” and “thick brick of brownies” in a poem of smooth flowing couplets.

 

            The essence of the book is about the expression of feelings to others. If an educator/teacher of children notices a common difficult issue that children are struggling with, it may be beneficial to have them write their own poems on that topic, which would provide a time of reflection. Reciting and performing their poems in front of the group may then lead to interactive discussions and provide closure, healing, a bonding of sorts, or needed skills to deal with the selected topic. What a wonderful way to communicate, understand, and connect with other individuals!

            It is no wonder that this book of poems received glowing reviews from the School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist!