Knock on Wood

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA
Knock on Wood--Poems About Superstitions

Written by Janet S. Wong

Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Published 2003

ISBN 0-689-85512-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Have you ever wondered about why we have certain superstitions? If you haven't, you probably will after reading this collection of Janet Wong's poetry. Each poem in this short volume focuses on a particular superstition, and is paired with a delightful illustration highlighting the imagery in the poem. Wong's engaging poems and Paschkis colorful illustrations are the perfect combination to make these poems come alive. Another nice feature in this book is the double page spread at the end of the book describing each superstition that was a subject of a poem in the book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Until I read this book, I had only been familar with Wong's poetry for young adults. I was so glad to see this elementary age appropriate book of her work. Each poem was a delight to read, and the accompanying artwork helped drive the superstition home. Most of the poems had some element of humor to them that students would enjoy. My particular favorite was, "Thirteen" which told of a group of 13 witches meeting in the Office of Bad Luck--"on the thirteenth floor at 13 Thirteenth Street." The witches hand out bad luck to everyone, but get a taste of their own medicine when they lose the "power" in their meeting area." There is a definate voice to each poem, and you can almost picture the relief young readers will have in knowing there is a way to break bad luck and superstitions. The answers are in these cleverly drafted poems. The use of imagery in the poem "Umbrellas" to describe the "ghosts" that live in our umbrellas was also a favorite as I read. I liked the visual Wong created with, "If I knew he would come to visit again, I would open both our umbrellas know and wait--and we would walk in this rain." I could picture a young grandchild remembering happy times of walking with a beloved grandparent as I read this poem.

Since children always seem interested in superstitions, I believe Wong has written a timeless volume of poetry that will appeal to children for many years to come.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*From School Library Journal--"There is much to ponder in both words and pictures. Some of the children depicted suggest a young audience, but the mixed poetic/visual brew is sophisticated."
*From Booklist--"Filled with mystery, magic, and hidden worlds, these are poems to liven up language arts classes and to spark discussions about personal beliefs."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Students could select a poem to research and find out more about the superstition it represents. Where did this superstition originate? Do they believe in this particular superstition? Students could then share their findings with the class.