1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVNESS. Ill. By Pamela Zagarenski. New York. Houghton Mifflin company. ISBN 0618616802
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Fictional teacher, Mrs. Mertz assigns her students to write poems of apology after sharing an apologetic poem by William Carlos Williams titled, “This is Just to Say.” Williams explains that he is sorry from eating the plums that were in the icebox but he could not help himself, they were cold, sweet and delicious. From that poem students begin writing their own poems on topics that are whimsical, such as Thomas apologizing to Mrs. Garcia in the office for stealing doughnuts from the teachers lounge, from some that weigh on your heart, like Jewel, questioning why her father left her family and if it was her fault. From there, poems found there way to whom they were intended and responses were written back. Mrs. Garcia knows Thomas steals doughnuts and even though she adores him…she still has to call his mom. Jewel receives a letter back from her father, which couldn’t be printed in full text, so Jewel took parts from the letter to write a response poem. Turns out, it wasn’t her fault at all why her dad left.
Using pantoums, haiku, duet/two part and rhymes this writing project reveals connections…those that happen between siblings, student and teacher, fathers and sons/daughters and best friends.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Using collage drawings, paintings and computer graphics, Zagarenski’s illustrations make the poems come to life. Notebook and gragh paper, bags, newspapers and school supplies are used to give the poems a feeling that they indeed came from a classroom. White paper reinforcements are used as doughnuts and the definition for apology can be found typed into a girls shirt.
Whimsical drawings of characters throughout the book add to the school charm of this collection.
The concept of the book is an excellent one, however the organization of the book is not its’ strong point. The book is divided with Part 1 The collection of apologies appearing first and then part 2 Responses coming later. This makes the reader have to flip back and forth between to sections to read each poem as a pairing. Some of the moment get lost while the reader flips around to find the right section and makes sure they have the two paired poems together.
The work by the author, Joyce Sidman, more than makes up for the confusing layout of the book. Each poem and response written is carefully thought out and worded. Sidman, takes into consideration each tellers view whether they are a 6th grade student or a fouled mouth older brother, Sidman weaves you through a glimpse of each students thought of how an apology should be worded and a glimpse into who they are. The response section, often giving a forgiveness statement in verse, can make you laugh or bring tears to our eyes. Then roller coaster ride of mood swings in this book and the complexity of the characters keep you wanting to read the next pairing and the next. Like potato chips, one is not enough!
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS
Claudia Lewis Poetry Award
Cybils Poetry Award
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book
IRA Teachers Choice Book
Texas Bluebonnets Award Nomination
North Carolina Junior Book Nomination
New York Public Library’s “100 Titles for Reading and Sharing”
School Library Journal Best Book of the year
Book Links Lasting Connection Book
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Sidman’s ear is keen, caturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched… This is an important book for creativity and wisdom.”
KIRKUS review: “Packed with the intensity of everyday pain and sorrow, kids and adults exchange the words that convey grief, delight, love and acceptance of themselves and others.”
BOOKLIST review: “Captivating.”
BOOK PAGE review: “A standout.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review” “This often humerous and touching anthology… successfully navigate(s) the complicated terrain for those who seek forgiveness.”
5. CONNECTIONS
The authors website is a valuable resource. Click on the link to her books and then click on This is Just to Say selection. From there you find amazing tools to use with the book.
http://www.joycesidman.com/
Advice- from the children in the book, on how to write your own apology poem.
Listen- to Joyce Sidman read some of her selections.
Readers Guide- suggestions for activities to accompany the book. Great for classroom or library use.
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