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THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END




Graham, Joan. 2014. THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END. Ill. Kyrsten rBooker. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN 9781477847152. 

The POEM THAT WILL NOT END is the story of a boy who cannot stop writing poems. Throughout his day and everywhere he goes, he write poems across topics and formats. From Going Bananas at breakfast to Couplet for French Fries during lunch, he writes and writes and writes. When he is finally required to write a poem in class, his mind goes blank. His teacher accepts the poems he wrote throughout the day instead.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The concept is excellent, but some of the poems are a bit forced. Since poetry is designed to be heard by the reader, it’s evident that some of the poems are adjusted to force a rhythmn. For instance, on page seven:

I tried to eat my breakfast
But didn’t hesitate
To scribble on the napkins
And doodle cross my plate.

If you examine the last line, the word “cross” is written, but it should be “across.” The a is dropped off to force the beat. It falls flat and bumped me out of the poem as a reader. There are several instances which mirror this one throughout the book.

However, there are many great qualities to this book, as well. The formats are varied and there are many excellent poems, too. The illustrations also strengthen the poetry and add value to the overall effect of the book. My favorite poem and illustration are found on page 19:
FEET

My feet --
They can’t stay still.
They are always moving
To some cool rhythm I hear in
My head.

The poem is written on the bottom of the boy’s foot! It’s written and illustrated well.

Perhaps the best part of the book is found in the reference section. Ryan O’Brian’s Guide to Poetic Forms details different poetic forms with an example cited from the book. Voices gives writing tips for how to create different emotions through literary devices. It’s excellent!

SPOTLIGHT POEM AND LESSON

This lesson is designed for K-2.

Start at the end! Kids so often overlook the reference section. For this book, it’s an excellent place to start. Review how to read the reference papers and then choose one or two forms to highlight. Find the poem which is listed as the example and dig into the book to find it. Read the poem and then let kids complete a “Try It.” For kinder, complete a whole-group, shared writing. For first and second grades, invite the kids to write their own poem and have a share session when kids complete their poems.



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