Module 3: Book Review 7-Poetic Form

 Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems

Bibliography

Raczka, B. (2016) Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781626722378

Summary

In this creative and laugh out loud collection of poems by Bob Raczka, readers are delighted by the structure and form each poem takes in this book.  Beginning with the front cover to the very last page, experience words that twist and turn to take shape of the ideas that are presented and described on each page. Enjoy seeing concrete poetry at its finest with Raczka, with a variety of poems that will inspire readers.  When you are finished with this collection, you will be more than eager to try your hand at one yourself.  

Analysis

In Wet Cement, Bob Raczka does a stellar job at getting readers excited about poetry.  With this collection of concrete poems or shape poems, each one written brings delight to the reader page after page.  With words that are written upside down, from bottom to top, and backwards, like in the poem “CROSSWORDS” and others written to take the shape of the object that is being described like in “hanger,” Raczka does a brilliant job to make the meaning of each poem comprehensible. With no drawn illustrations, the title and words of each poem help create the picture for the reader.  It is fun and magical to see illustrations in an inventive way. 

With each poem being a concrete poem, it can become a bit of a playful challenge, but a joy once discovered.  They can be mentally and visually stimulating which is why this collection would be best for older students in grades 2nd through 6^th but would be great to read aloud and explained to younger children.  It can encourage kids to try their hand at concrete poetry and allows them to play with words in a fun and unique way. 

This is a very engaging and clever collection of concrete poems that readers will enjoy.  It is a quick read that will be appreciated for the uniqueness and spunk Raczka created.  

Excerpt

Use 

“Balloon” is a perfect example of concrete poetry.  With it, children are encouraged to write their own concrete/shape poem.  With student help, create a list of things or objects for support of ideas to choose from.  Have them write and create their poems from examples in the book or in their own, imaginative way.  Then, present and display poems for all to enjoy.