  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 11/01/2014 Gr 2–5—In 22 colorfully illustrated poems, Shields captures multiple perspectives on the favorite part of many kids' school day—the end. The book opens with the anticipation of the dismissal bell from the perspective of the students and the teacher. Readers will connect with the familiar scenario of feeling "like the clock on the wall has stopped." From there, the poet explores some of kids' extracurricular activities. "Level 5" shows the realistic struggle between a desire to play video games and the obligation to do one's homework. Shields's lines will resonate with readers ("She put her hand on the warm TV. 'Guess what, kid? You're busted.'"). "Manga" is a cleverly written poem that will leave some children scratching their heads because of its right-to-left text flow. "Txt msgs" is a conversation poem written in text-speak. Shields even includes a verse about the dangers of saying "I'm bored," which leads to a never-ending chore list. The eye-catching artwork done in acrylic, gouache, and colored pencil is sure to appeal to many readers along with the humor, rhyme, and universal topics.—Andy Plemmons, David C. Barrow Elementary, Athens, GA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/15/2015 In singsong rhyme, Shields presents 22 poems about how kids spend their time after school. Beginning with the countdown to school’s final bell, she writes about playing video games and the violin, homework assignments, sleepovers, and feeling bored. This collection misses some chances at variety, offering four homework poems and only paying lip service to extracurriculars such as sports, dance, drama, or art; however, Shields does have a good grasp of school-age frustrations and silliness. A backward-reading homage to manga and a poem written as a text exchange demonstrate a playfulness in form, though the meter of many poems is inconsistent, making their cadence hiccup rather than flow. Meisel’s colored-pencil illustrations are unrefined but carry a childlike quality fitting for this collection. Simple scenes that fill the page and busy collages of detail convey both the peace and hectic nature of the after-school hours. Readers may not find many new ideas here, but the precious and overbooked time after the bell will ring true with most. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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