FIRST FOOD FIGHT THIS FALL AND OTHER SCHOOL POEMS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2008. First Food Fight This Fall and Other School Poems. Ill. by Sachiko Yoshikawa. New York: Sterling. ISBN 1402741456

2. PLOT SUMMARY
First Food Fight This Fall centers around twelve students in Ms. Mundy’s class. From the beginning of the school year to the end, readers learn about what happens at school through poems from each student about tests, gym, lunch, and other school activities. Readers can laugh along at the funny differences of twins Jenna and Abigail, and the love-hate relationship between friends Amy and Malik. At the end of the year, readers can feel the excitement and sadness of the last day of school.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The first poem of First Food Fight This Fall introduces readers to all of the poem “authors” that they will encounter as they read. Readers unfamiliar with poetry that does not rhyme will find many new styles in this book, which keeps the story interesting and allows the poems to stand alone without the book while at the same time enhancing the overall plot. Readers are also able to relate to the story through many poems, such as “Math,” a poem that reflects the fear of going up to the board in front of the class. The illustrations by Yoshikawa serve to enhance the readers experience with bright colors and cartoon-like characters.

This is a great book to read to students at the beginning and end of the school year and allowing them to reflect on their experiences at school.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST review: "Children will enjoy the poetry and find comparisons and contrasts to situations in their daily routines."

5. CONNECTIONS
Do a Reader’s Theater and assign readers the part of a specific student to read.

Have readers create their own school related poem

Discuss with readers how the poems relate to their own life and school

Other Poetry books about school:
Shields, Carol. Lunch Money And Other Poems About School. ISBN 014055890X
Dakos, Kalli. If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand: Poems About School. ISBN 0689801165
Lillegard, Dee. Hello School!: A Classroom Full of Poems. ISBN 0440417775