Book details
This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness
Description
When Mrs. Merz asks her sixth grade class to write poems of apology, they end up liking their poems so much that they decide to put them together into a book. Not only that, but they get the people to whom they apologized to write poems back. In haiku, pantoums, two-part poems, snippets, and rhymes, Mrs. Merz's class writes of crushes, overbearing parents, loving and losing pets, and more. Some poets are deeply sorry; some not at all. Some are forgiven; some are not. In each pair of poems a relationship, a connection, is revealed.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
48 pages
Why to read
- Emotional Growth: The book offers a unique exploration of emotions through its poems, encouraging readers to reflect on the themes of apology and forgiveness, which are crucial for personal development and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Literary Appreciation: Joyce Sidman's work is known for its lyrical beauty and depth. Reading 'This Is Just to Say' provides an opportunity to appreciate the craft of poetry and the power of words in expressing complex feelings.
- Educational Value: The book can be a great resource for teaching children about the importance of saying sorry and the process of making amends, making it a valuable addition to any classroom or family library.
- Creative Inspiration: The poems are inspired by William Carlos Williams' famous poem 'This Is Just to Say,' and they encourage readers to think creatively about how to express regret and seek forgiveness, possibly inspiring them to write their own poems of apology and forgiveness.