Concrete Poetry

Title- Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems

Author- John Grandits

Illustrator- John Grandits

Publisher- Clarion

Copyright Date- 2004

Number of Pages- 48

Awards- None

Reading Level- Age 10-12

Genre- Poetry

Summary

This book begins with a concrete poem right on the front cover, as you read it you can figure out that the rectangular shape of the words represents a brick. This brick gets thrown out a window by an 11-year-old boy.  The rest of the poems are from the viewpoint of this character.   The author introduces Robert inside the front cover.  We learn that he is eleven when he writes a letter to his aunt.

The poems all follow the concrete poem style.   There are poems in the shape a clock, stairs, octopus, pizza, a basketball layup, fireworks, and many more.  Each poem gives the reader an insight into Robert, and what goes on in his mind.  One of my favorites was a poem titled “What Are You Thinking About, Robert?”  He answers “nothing,” as his head and brain spews out thought after thought.  I found this very relatable. 

Teaching Idea

I would use this to introduce a new style of poetry to a class, or to engage students who don’t think they like poetry.  There is only one rule to this style of poetry, the picture must relate to the idea of the poem.   The students get to pick a topic, write about it, and then make it into a picture. 

I would have students read this book, and then create poems on any subject of their choice (it would have to be appropriate).  Then they could turn it into a concrete poem.  This would be great for artistic students, and students who think outside the box.  It would be great for students who dislike poetry.  This type of poetry gives them freedom.  They get to choose the topic, choose how to turn their words into pictures, and they get to write wacky.  We make students write on the lines, from left to right, and in straight lines their entire school career.  Now they can write however they want, I think all students would have fun with that.

Rating

Element of Literature	Excellent	Average	Inadequate	Not Addressed	Rating
Plot	The plot is engaging; the reader is invested in the outcome.  Contains conflict, a climax and a resolution.    The reader buys into the story line; it is believable to the reader.	The plot is average it contains some of the essential elements such as conflict, climax and resolution.  One element is either missing or poorly developed.  The reader may or may not buy into the storyline, it is just not that believable.	Multiple essential elements, conflict, climax and/or resolution are missing or poorly developed.  It is not believable and overall a bad plot.		There are multiple story lines within this one poetry book, but they all relate to the main character.  There are elements of conflicts, climaxes and some resolutions.  Not all poems contain all the elements, however they exist throughout the book.  This is entirely believable if you know any eleven-year-old boys.
Characters	Characters are unique and believable.  The characters come to life when the reader is engaged in the story.  When the book is done, the reader still connects with the characters of the book.  Characters have personalities, flaws, and feelings. There is a protagonist, possibly an antagonist and some supporting characters.	Characters are similar to other books, have little to no uniqueness.  When the reader is done with the book, they are also done with the characters, there is no lasting connection.  Characters display little in terms of personality.  There are no supporting characters, or no clear protagonist.	Characters are dull and lifeless, there is no connection to the characters.  There is no clear protagonist and no supporting characters.  The characters are too farfetched.		For a poetry book the character is well developed.  He has personality, feeling, and flaws.  Robert is the clear protagonist and he encounters a few antagonists.  There are not many supporting characters, they exist but are not well developed.
Illustrations	The illustrations share in the story telling. The pictures help to develop the characters, establish the mood, and setting.  They contain some of the following elements, hidden details, facial expressions, different viewpoints, interesting asides, action depiction, or supporting details.  The pictures themselves may be created out of different mediums in order to support the plot.  Visual elements are used effectively (line, shape, color, texture and composition).	The illustrations support the story telling.  The pictures help with some but not all of the following, establish mood and setting, and developing characters.  They contain few if any of the following elements, hidden details, facial expressions, different viewpoints, interesting asides, action depiction, or supporting details.  The pictures are basic and do not use visual elements effectively.	The illustrations are in conflict with the story.  The pictures do not develop or establish anything in relation to the book.  There are no additional elements in the illustrations.  Visual elements detract from the plot.		The illustrations are the poems; they tell part of the story.  They show hidden elements and depict action.  They also help establish settings and moods.  The visual use of words is an integral part of this book.
Word Choice	There are a more than two of the following elements used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.	There are one or two of the following elements used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.	There are none of the following elements or they are not used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.		Precise vocabulary, figurative language, and dialogue, are all present within the poems.