School People

Written by Lee Bennett Hopkins · Illustrated by Ellen Shi

Discover the hidden heroes of a school day through heartfelt poems.

3.9 Goodreads · 105 ratings

32 pages· 930 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· 640L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Step into a school where every adult plays a vital role. From the cheerful bus driver to the imaginative teacher, and the unseen custodian to the nurturing nurse, each poem reveals the heart and soul of those who shape a child's day. This collection captures the essence of school life, celebrating the unsung heroes who make a difference. What stories do these walls hold? Explore the vibrant world within, where every grown-up leaves a lasting impact.

"Welcome to this house of brick. I am waiting - come on in!" ("School's Story", Rebecca Kai Dotlich)

— from the book

From the publisher

Fifteen poems selected by acclaimed poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins celebrate all of the grown-ups that children encounter during the course of a school day.

Welcome to school, a building of brick “full of soul and heart,” eager for students and staff to fill its halls with sounds. This anthology of fifteen poems celebrates the grown-up people that children encounter throughout the course of their school day: the school bus driver with her morning smile, the teacher who inspires imagination, the rarely seen, yet caring custodian, and the nurse who heals hurts, big and small. There’s even a poem about the school building. Award-winning poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins has compiled this marvelous collection featuring a variety of brand-new works by well-known poets and beautifully imaginative artwork by illustrator Ellen Shi.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 930
Reading age: 5–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 640L

Themes & topics

Books about teachers Books about school Books about school and education Books about diverse roles Books about childhood

What readers & critics say

Reviews

“Prolific anthologist Hopkins encourages his audience with a series of poems describing school personnel…Shi's digital illustrations show students of varying ethnicities and a staff diverse in age and gender…They add significant details. This surprisingly even collection includes short poems by 14 different authors including the compiler… vital… for a back-to-school collection and good for reading aloud.”

Kirkus

Critic

“Fifteen previously unpublished poems…praise familiar figures at school… Shi’s warm digital images infuse adults and children with personality in a vibrant tribute to trusted staffers and educators.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“The verse of several well-known poets…interweave beautifully with that of many less familiar voices, resulting in a collection that is fun to read and to listen to. The digital artwork is bright and eye-catching; the cartoon people animated and upbeat. Used to kick off a writing assignment or to brighten up a gloomy day, these entertaining poems will hit the spot.”

School Library Journal

Critic

The author