Messing Around the Monkey Bars

Bibliography: Franco, Betsy. 2009. MESSING AROUND THE MONKEY BARS. Ill. by Jessie Hartland. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Review: Franco’s Messing around the monkey bars includes 19 poems written about the zany and fun field experiences that can occur during school hours. From wild bus rides, classroom boredom, to the uncontainable anticipation for recess this book bring alive the typical school day. Franco also gives an introduction to the book which details how the poems are intended to be read. Each line that is bolded should be read by an entire class or a group and each line that is not bolded should be read by an individual. When read aloud in classroom environment Betsy Franco’s poems come alive and are sure to bring a fun and memorable experience to all participants.

Excerpt: "I Can’t Wait."

Today’s the day I can’t wait. At recess time, I won’t be late. I’ll meet you by the mulberry tree. And then you’ll make the trade with me. I’ll trade my little green iguana… For my little sister Donna!

Introducing the Poem: Messing around on the Monkey Bars was written with the intent to be experienced not just read so introducing the poem to a classroom environment is necessary. Franco’s book is a great introduction to poetry as its subject matter will relate to its readers and that each poem is intended for two or more voices. Although the poems can be read silently, the poems make more sense, and are more enjoyable, when read by a small group or an entire class. Teachers may take joy in splitting the students up into small groups in order to perform individual poems in front of the class.