John Grandits

Technichally, It's Not My Fault

Concrete Poems
by John Grandits

Technically, it’s not Robert’s fault that a concrete block fell on the car or that his sister’s homework got blown to smithereens. Really, he doesn’t try to cause trouble. He’s just an ordinary kid who likes pizza and sports and computer games. . . . Okay, maybe he thinks about some weird stuff, like designing the perfect roller coaster (completer with poisonous spiders) and writing the autobiography of a fart. But doesn’t everyone? How can his social studies teacher even hint that he acts backward on purpose?

Robert’s hilarious view of the world is expressed through a series of concrete poems. You may have to turn the book—or your mind—sideways and upside down to read them, but laughter is 100% guaranteed.

AWARDS

ALA Notable Book for Children
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Book Links Lasting Connection
Book Sense Top Ten Poetry List
CCBC Choice
NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts
VOYA Poetry Pick
Young Hoosier (IN) Book Award Nominee
 

REVIEWS

"An exuberant celebration of wordplay that's certain to broaden kids' understanding and appreciation of the possibilities of poetry."
—Kirkus Reviews

"combines technical brilliance and goofy good humor to provide an accessible, fun-filled collection of poems...brilliant book design"
—School Library Journal, starred review

"graphically inventive sequence of concrete poems...mimes an 11-year-old's sarcastic perspective...A technically (and imaginatively) inspired typeface experiement."
—Publishers Weekly

"humorous...kid-relevant or kid-voiced...well-pitched to a youthful readership...playful layouts...a quick, funny, and painlessly poetic read."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Youth will fall for this kind of word play, as will adults...smart, clever, and just plain fun."
—VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)