This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman
Summary:
This is a collection of poems written by Mrs. Merz's sixth grade class. They were inspired by William Carlos Williams poem of apology for eating some plums he found in the fridge. The poems are intended for fellow students, parents, siblings, school staff, and pets. Some are sincere apologies and others are not so sincere. The second part of book contains responses from those who received the apologies. These are just as humerous, witty, and sincere as the apologies.
Thoughts of a Book Worm:
I loved this collection of poems. The author did a great job of bringing out the nature of the human spirit in these apologies and their responses. I also enjoyed the variety of types of poems that the collection contains.
Reviews:
"Gr 4-7-Mrs. Merz assigns her sixth-grade students to write poems of apology, and what emerges is a surprising array of emotions, poetic forms, and subjects from dead pets and biting hamsters to angry siblings and betrayal of trust. The children decide to create their own book of these poems, complete with an introduction and occasional notes by editor Anthony K. Fast-talking Thomas writes a humorous poem patterned after William Carlos Williams's "This Is Just to Say," apologizing to Mrs. Garcia in the office, for stealing the jelly donuts in the teachers' lounge: "Forgive me/they were delicious/so sweet/and so gloppy." Mrs. Garcia's response poem says, "Of course I forgive you./But I still have to call your mother." A more serious concern emerges in "Next Time," written by Jewel: "Please, please come back./Don't leave me spinning alone,/like a slow, sad tornado./I'm sorry, Daddy./Next time I'll be/perfect." In the response poem, Jewel describes her father's wrenching reply telling her that, "None of the stupid things/I have ever done/are even close to being your fault." Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched. Zagarenski's delicately outlined collage drawings and paintings are created on mixed backgrounds-notebook paper, paper bags, newspaper, graph paper, school supplies. This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom."- Reviewer: Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Suggested Activities:
Students could have a lot of fun writing creative apologies and making a class book of their own.
Bibliography: Osborne, M. P. (2007). This is just to say: poems of apology and forgiveness. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
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