Module 1: A KICK IN THE HEAD

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Janeczko, Paul B. 2005. A KICK IN THE HEAD. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Cambridge MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763606626

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A KICK IN THE HEAD is a poetry anthology. Paul Janeczko includes one poem from 29 different poetic styles. The styles include: couplet, tercet, quatrain, haiku, senryu, tanka, cinquain, clerihew, limerick, roundel, double dactyl, troilet, sonnet, villanelle, opposites, riddle poem, ode, acrostic, concrete, epitaph, elegy, found poem, persona poem, poem of address, ballad, blues poem, list poem, aubade, and pantoum.

Poems from a variety of authors were used, from the well known Shakespeare and Ogden Nash to lesser known Avis Harley and Anonymous. Along with an example poem, Janeczko includes the rules for writing using each poetic style. Illustrations accompany each poem. An introduction previewing the format of the book is included. The index provides a detailed explanation of each of the poetic styles highlighted in the book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Poetry writing and analysis is one of the most intimidating elements of Language Arts education. A poem’s apparent lack of structure encourages readers to open their minds and to think analytically and creatively. This picture book would be an excellent tool to introduce poetry to a writer of any age.

The poems selected are fantastic examples of the style of poem while being about age appropriate material. There are no poems about love, which most children could not relate to. There are many poems about animals or items that children are familiar with. Despite the simplicity of the content of the poems, this book would be useful for older students and adults who are being introduced to poetry.

While some of the poems included are widely known, such as the acrostic, many could be considered obscure to the general American public such as the clerihew. The author’s introduction provides a preview into the structure of the book as well as information about reading poem definitions included on pages. This is excellent for a novice poet. A more experienced poet would not be bored with this text. S/he could embark on the challenge of mastering a more obscure poetic form. Readers have 29 from which to choose.

Each page or pair of pages presents a new poem. At the top corner of the page is the poetry style. The poem and the accompanying illustration dominate the majority of the page. Poetry definition and writing style explanations are written unobtrusively at the bottom of the page in a small typeset. It is designed to be there to guide the reader but not to overtake the page. The poetry and illustration are the dominating focus.
This picture book is an excellent blend of two artistic interpretations.

At the end of the book, the author provides more detailed information about each poetic style. Readers could use this information to advance his/her new found knowledge about a certain poetic style. This index could also provide clarification for a reader who is still struggling to understand the precise rules that accompany a certain poetic style.

The illustrations in this picture book complement the text and provide additional clues as to the meaning of a poem. Readers often lament poetry analysis because they claim that they do not know what the poem is referencing. The illustrations in this text change this. They provide the necessary clues for novice poetry enthusiasts and enriching detail for the more advanced interpreter.

Chris Raschka, the illustrator, uses a mixed media artistic medium. Each illustration is a combination of vibrant watercolor imagery and torn paper. Generally, watercolor is used when representing faces, animals, other living things; torn paper is used to represent clothing, furniture, and other inanimate objects. These illustrations effectively bring the words of the poems to life while subtly concealing the poetry definition on the page.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Janeczko's disciplined but accessible examples, plus Raschka's spirited Asian-inspired images, add oomph to this joyful poetry lesson, sure to be welcomed by teachers and aspiring poets everywhere.”

From BOOK LINKS: “Perfect for classroom use, this terrific picture book will help students appreciate poetry and become better poets themselves.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…will capture imaginations and inspire young wordsmiths.”


5. CONNECTIONS
*Students read example poems and compose own poems and create anthology.

*Students will compose and illustrate poems using the same technique as Chris Raschka.

*Using a different poetry anthology, students will identify a given poem’s structure using information from this book.

Website for interview with Chris Raschka:
BookPage Interview September 1998: Chris Raschka

*Other books of interest:
Prelutsky, Jack. READ A RHYME, WRITE A RHYME. ISBN 0375822860.
Fletcher, Ralph J. POETRY MATTERS. ISBN 0380797038
*Other book by author:
Janeczko, Paul. A POKE IN THE I. ISBN 0763606618