This Librarian's Quick Picks: Wet Cement

Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems
by Bob Raczka
Roaring Brook (Mar. 8, 2016)
Poetry

Summary:

Who says words need to be concrete? This collection shapes poems in surprising and delightful ways. Concrete poetry is a perennially popular poetic form because they are fun to look at. But by using the arrangement of the words on the page to convey the meaning of the poem, concrete or shape poems are also easy to write!

Why You'll Love It:

•  While short, the poems are by turns amusing and thoughtful and make excellent use of figurative language devices. Plus, it makes an excellent mentor text for poetry units!
• A few layouts may test some readers, such as one about a home run in which one whole line is printed backward, but most students will enjoy the challenge.
• Readers will enjoy turning the volume upside down and every which way to catch every word and nuance and won't miss illustrations a bit. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for 2nd-6th grades...and here's a resource to use as you write!

What Else You Should Read:

• Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems by Brian Cleary
• Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka
• Firefly July by Paul Janeczko

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Ode to a Commode

Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems
by Brian P. Cleary
illustrated by Andy Rowland
Millbrook (Aug. 1, 2014)
Poetry

Summary:

Is that a bird? a plane? No, it's a poem! Concrete poems are shaped like their subjects. They can look like objects, animals, or even people. Brian P. Cleary explains how concrete poems work--and creates some wild wordplay.

Why You'll Love It:

• Dude. It has a toilet on the cover. Can you say reluctant reader attraction?
• The book not only models high-interest concrete poems, but also gives readers a how-to tutorial and a starter list of subjects at the beginning of the book.
•  Teachers will find this book to be a well-received mentor text during poetry units.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 1-4.

What Else You Should Read:

• Pug: And Other Animal Poems by Valerie Worth
• Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer
• Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka