Rainbows, Head Lice, and Pea-Green Tile: Poems in the Voice of the Classroom Teacher »

It's your life told here, dear teacher, with all its glories, warts, joys, and heartaches. The poems of Brod Bagert, America's performing poet, chronicle the frustrations of the profession, as well as their transformation into unexpected victories that make it all worthwhile. The cast of characters includes the second grade from hell, that hopeless, control-freak-of-a-colleague, the faculty restroom, the custodian, Rambo teacher, and even the cafeteria food. Brod speaks in the voice of the classroom teacher, and the voice rings true. Here's a perfect gift - for yourself or for a teacher you love.

Laura Hummel - Children's Literature

Dedicated to teachers of America, this book is a collection of poems to honor the work of these devoted professionals. One poem is in the voice of an adult who remembers his second grade teacher and leaves a warm-hearted message on her answering machine. Another voice of a teacher emotes trepidation as she stands on the threshold of her kindergarten classroom. Many poems tell of the children: the slow learner, the behavior problem child who is never absent, the youngster who has conquered reading, or the special child who is gone. Teachers will surely recognize similarities in their own students and staff members. Some poems will tickle the funny bone, while others will pull at heartstrings. Beautifully executed pencil drawings skillfully convey the messages. Body language and facial expressions hit their mark. The collection deserves a spot in staff lounges everywhere, reminding teachers just why they do the important work they do! 2001(orig. 1999), Maupin House,