The Goof Who Invented Homework and Other School Poems
Dakos, Kalli. The Goof Who Invented Homework and Other School Poems. NewYork: Dial Books, 1996.
Critical Analysis: Kalli Dakos has indeed created something special in this humorous and lighthearted book of poems all about, SCHOOL! This unique thirty six poem collection is very diverse in style and structure, but one thing is for sure, the words and phrases seem alive enough to bounce right off of the pages. The poems are constant, where one ends another begins, page upon page. Dakos definitely has her audience in mind with poems that center around themes they call all relate to. The silly and whimsical design of these rhyming masterpieces is sure to make you laugh out loud, whether you are reading about the murder of the 4th grade goldfish, or Jason, the class clown, driving Miss Hogan bonkers again and again! Students of all ages will immerse themselves in this collection which has poems that are short and to the point, and other which seem to tell a story. This collection embraces many poetic elements but one of my favorites, Have a Great School Year, creatively uses personification by bringing to life all of the school supplies. Readers will laugh as they see for themselves how even the supplies dread another school year and the end to a peaceful summer. What a great poem to share on the first day to all of those dreading students! It is evident that Dakos understands children as well as the turmoils of school. This poetry collection serves as a perfect escape from the reality of school into a world of hilarious rhyming and verse. Denise Brunkus has made the characters inside these poems come to life with her detailed black and white illustrations which appear on almost every page. This collection is one that will not remain on the shelf for long!
POEM SPOTLIGHT
Back Away! Back Away!
Excerpt:
I knew Carol was sick
The first day I met her.
Her skin was pale
As the sand
That stretches
On the beach
Near my house.
She was so thin,
I was afraid
She would topple over
When the wind blew through
The oak trees
On the playground.
“I have a terrible disease,”
She told me one day,
“But I like to imagine
I’m healthy just like
The other kids.”
It was hard to pretend
In our school.
“Back away! Back Away!”
Timothy warned his friends,
Whenever she walked
Near them.
“She’s covered in germs,
And some of them
Will jump on you.”
Whenever this happened
Her big blue eyes
Turned all watery
As if storm clouds
Were covering the sky,
And she cried,
“My disease is not catching.”
Kalli Dakos
Analysis: In the midst of a book full of silly and zany poems about school is one spectacular and somber piece that is sure to touch your heart, Back Away! Back Away!. This poem does not rhyme, but instead reads more naturally as a story. Dakos has creatively used similes and imagery to help readers understand how Carol is feeling as she becomes more and more outcast because of her illness. From the beginning the reader has a sense of how sick Carol is as Dakos explains using a similie, “Her skin was a pale as the sand that stretches on the beach near my house.” The friendship of the two characters provides hope as the mood of the poem although sad and emotional at times, becomes one of peace when the narrator realizes that Carol’s death represents a new beginning. Dakos’ cleverly symbolizes Carol’s relentless spirit in the yellow petals of the flowers at her funeral which shine “as bright as the sunshine.” The most intriguing element in this poem is the continuous repetition of the words, back away, as they are yelled by condescending classmates at school or up until Carol is in a place where she will never hear those words again. This poem will evoke response from students of all ages on many topics of discussion and is sure to bring out a handful of emotions and feelings.
Classroom Connections: This poem is a great selection to use in order to help students understand death. I think that students in grades 3-6 would especially find this poem to help them cope with the loss of a friend or loved one.
This poem would be great to use in a Health unit on illnesses that are contagious and those that are not. In this case, Carol’s illness was not contagious, but the students were adamant that they “back away” from her. Students could discuss how always being an outcast made Carol feel. Students could brainstorm ways that the students could have made better choices and made Carol feel accepted.
As a culminating activity students could write get well cards to kids at a local children’s hospital in order to make a positive impact on those who are dealing with illness.
For other great lesson plan activities related to the poems in this book check out: www.kallidakos.com/lessonplans/Goof.pdf
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