The Goof Who Invented Homework:
and Other School Poems
Kalli Dakos, Denise Brunkus (Illustrator)
Format: Hardcover, 74pp.

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Click on the book cover to see sample poem

Children's Choice Selection, 1997

Synopsis
Nobody knows classroom life the way best-selling author Kalli Dakos does. In this collection of thirty-six poems, the author moves through the school year to portray the ups and downs of typical school days with humor and empathy. From the lively fun of "My Lunch is Buzzing" and "Our Custodian's a Poet" to the poignancy of "Murder in the Fourth Grade" (an elegy to a departed class goldfish), these poems capture the spirit of elementary schools across the United States and Canada.

Reviews
The majority of the selections are humorous. They paint a funny, affectionate, and sometimes poignant portrait of the school year. This is an effective and welcome collection of verse, ably supported by Brunkus's fine and funny black-and-white drawings.
(School Library Journal)

Dakos takes readers through a "typical" school year with three dozen poems. Kids will quickly relate to these mostly amusing glimpses of teachers, custodians, the principal, and the death of a class pet. Throughout, Brunkus provides humorous black and white illustrations. A collection that is bound to delight and one that is just the right size for young readers.
(Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature)

Dakos has a lighthearted style and shows much warmth and understanding of her audience. As in previous books, she doesn't poke fun at children or at teachers. Students will choose these poems for recitations and have fun reading them.
(Kirkus Reviews)