no more homework! no more tests! written by bruce lansky and illustrated by stephen carpenter

Lansky, Bruce. No More Homework! No More Tests!, Illustrated by Stephen Carpenter. Minnesota: Meadowbrook Press, 1997. ISBN: 9780671577025

Critical Analysis:

      No More Homework! No More Tests! is a compilation of over thirty poems sharing the conceptual theme of school. The author, Bruce Lansky, organizes and arranges the poems in a manner where each poem flows with the chronological events throughout a school day; from the beginning of school with "Look Out!" to the end of the school day with "Class Dismissed." By organizing and arranging the poems in this manner, the author is able to evoke a variety of emotions as the school day proceeds. 

     Not only does Lansky utilize organization and layout throughout this book, but also he utilizes the elements of language and appeal to strengthen the compilation. The language seen throughout this book is in a kid friendly format that incorporates the usage of rhythm, cadence, and rhyming formats. By the incorporation of this, the authors are able to present and evoke feelings that children can relate to. In the poem "Monday," there is a cadence that provides an audience of children with a simplistic flow. Some of the ending lines of this poem rhyme; however, there is no distinct rhyming scheme. The flows of each poem are strengthened by Lanksy's collaboration with illustrator Stephen Carpenter. Carpenter's usage of black and white illustrations provides just the right amount of visualization for children without taking away from the content of the poetry. Lansky's usage of organization, language, appeal, and layout all provide children with elements that evoke a positive response to each poem.

Spotlight Poem:

"Monday!"

Overslept

Rain is pouring

Missed the bus

Dad is roaring

Late for school

Forgot my spelling

Dropped my books

Got them muddy

Flunked a test

Didn't study

Teacher says

I must do better

Lost my money

Tore my sweater

Feeling dumber

Feeling glummer

Monday sure can be

A bummer.

          - David L. Harrison

Connections:

• Monday is a good poem that can be introduced to children on Monday mornings after they settle into class.
• Ask children what are some things that happened before they arrived that didn't go their way. By asking children this, they will be able to eliminate the negative that has happened before the school day has begun and proceed through the day.