School Poetry

Revenge of the Lunch Ladies: The Hilarious Book of School Poetry

Poems By: Kenn Nesbitt

Illustrated By: Mike & Carl Gordon

Nesbit, Ken. 2007. Revenge of the Lunch Ladies: The Hilarious Book of School Poetry. Ill. by Mike & Carl Gordon. Minnetonka, MN: Meadowbrook Press.

ISBN: 1-4169-4364-1

Summary & Review: Kenn Nesbitt offers a wide range of poetry topics all pertaining to school in the book titled, Revenge of the Lunch Ladies: The Hilarious Book of School Poetry. The poems for the students offer a humorous take on matters that are experienced with school. Some examples that the poems cover are the first day of school, going home sick from school, students and their relationships with the teacher, the cafeteria, P.E., homework, and relationships among students including friendship and romance. 47 poems are in the book. The poems throughout the book are very humorous and I think students would find them funny. The elements of rhythm and rhyme are in every poem. I think students would be able to relate to the poems when being used in a classroom, and the book appeals to its readers. The feeling of humor is very present throughout the whole book. Mike and Carl Gordon offer funny illustrations as well, that pertain to the poems and their humor. The illustrations enhance the poetry in the book. Revenge of the Lunch Ladies: The Hilarious Book of School Poetry is a poetry book that I know would bring smiles and laughter to children's faces when being read aloud.

Excerpt

Welcome Back to School

"Dear Students, the summer has ended.

The school year at last has begun.

But this year is totally different.

I promise we'll only have fun."

"We won't study any mathematics,

and recess will last all day long.

Instead of the Pledge of Allegiance,

we'll belt out a rock 'n' roll song."

"We'll only play games in the classroom.

You're welcome to bring in our toys.

It's okay to run in the hallways.

It's great if you make lots of noise." ...

Activity: The teacher reads the poem to the class on the first day of school. Then the students write or journal about their expectations for the year or if they were in charge of running the school how would they change things. Students then can share their writing with the class.