This is Just to Say:  Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman and Pamela Zagarenski, ill.

     Boston, MA:  Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007.  ISBN 978-0-618-61680-0

Using the theme of forgiveness, these poems written by a sixth grade class in a variety of styles, including haiku, rhymes, two-part poems and snippets, are simple yet touching.  The poems cover simple topics to the very emotional, many with follow-up poems.

Illustrations:  Child-like illustrations in mixed media on paper, canvas, wood with collage and computer graphics.

Themes:  Poetry, Forgiveness

5Q/4P

ggolden

7/17/09

Sidman, J. (2007). This is just to say : poems of apology and forgiveness. Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski. New York:  Houghton Mifflin.

Artwork: Mixed-media collage with the help of computer graphics

ISBN-13: 978-0-618-61680-0

Proving that poetry can be a very personal endeavor, a fictional sixth grade class composes poems as way of apologizing, then receive poetic responses in return.  While some of the poetry and illustrations are light-hearted and comical, many of the exchanges reveal difficult situations and relationships.  This is Just to Say would serve as an excellent addition to a poetry unit and should foster meaningful discussions.

Curricular connection:  Comparative poetry/Response to literature  

Subjects: American poetry; School life; Apologies

Theme: Apologizing makes you feel better.

Category: Fiction 811; Poetry

Rating: 4Q/4P

AAS 5-4-08

Age Level Recommendation: Middle School