After the Bell Rings

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