This Is Just to Say

A. Bibliographic Data:

This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness, by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 2007; ISBN 0618616802

B. Plot Summary:

This volume is a collection of poems in two parts, apologies and responses. The apologies are written by Mrs. Merz's sixth grade class to people they want to apologize to - classmates, family, friends, even pets. The responses are mostly written by those to whom the apologies were directed, but some were composed by others on their behalf. The poems apologize for everything from stealing donuts to having to put down a pet to not being good enough for a parent. The forms vary as well, but the messages come across regardless of the style chosen.

C. Critical Analysis:

I was moved to tears by some of the poems in this book. The topics range from the mildly ridiculous, such as Kyle and Reuben writing about dodge ball, to heartfelt and painful, such as Jewel's plea to her father. The responses give hope and joy, as most of the respondents find it in their hearts to forgive. Many of the responses from parents are especially moving, although I was saddened by Anthony's mother dismissing his apology as ridiculous. Also, the illustrations support the compositions very well. Their unique style suits the poems, and they look as if the authors could have created them. I especially enjoy the illustrator's use of bits of paper, such as shapes that seem to have been cut out around the word 'apology' in the dictionary, bits of graphing and lined paper, and reinforcing stickers for notebook paper. They really bring back the feel of school and remind the reader where the book is supposed to originate. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable volume that would be a great way to introduce poetry to (older) children.

D. Review Excerpts:

~ "Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched. . . . This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom." - Lee Bock, School Library Journal (starred review)

~ ". . . a captivating anthology of short poems in various styles touching on different aspects of life. . . . Children will find much to identify with in the situations presented in the apology poems, and they'll appreciate the resolutions given in the responses." - Randall Enos, Booklist

~ "The poems successfully navigate the complicated terrain for those who seek forgiveness." - Publishers Weekly

E. Connections:

~ Have children compose their own poems of apology.

~ Have children imagine that someone wrote them an apology for something that upset them and write a response poem.

~ Use with a unit on poetry, introducing the different styles and formats.

~ Compare/contrast with other titles by Sidman (e.g. Song of the Water Boatman; Eureka!; Meow Ruff; or Just Us Two)