Tap Dancing on the Roof

© Linda Sue Park

Module 14: Tap Dancing on the Roof by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Istvan Banyai

Summary

Tap Dancing on the Roof is a collection of poetry by Korean author Linda Sue Park. It consists of sijos, a type of poem similar to the Japanese haiku. Unlike the haiku, the sijo can be about anything, as opposed to just being related to nature. Typically the sijo is split into three parts: the first line introduces the topic, the second line develops the topic, and the third line contains a twist – sometimes humorous or witty.

Impression

This book was a lovely example of poetry. Perfect for children, the poems are short and silly. Typically they cater to the minds of young adolescents, with the final lines inducing giggles. Park’s inclusion of the historical background in the author’s note is helpful. She also includes a list of tips for writing your own sijos in the back of the book that is great for teachers or librarians. Banyai’s illustrations add whimsy to the already fun poems.

Reviews

“This book is an excellent introduction of sijo to a new generation. Notes in the book explain the form and include a sijo from the 1600s. The artwork is a bizarre mix of fantasy and realism, and tells its own story, particularly the endsheets.”

– Daniel Beach

“Park demonstrates with twenty-seven sijo on the topics of seasons and routines of home and school. Perhaps the best example she includes is in her author’s note and is the work of Kim Kwang-uk, who lived from 1580-1656; nevertheless, her own poems have that twist that goes beyond the limits of culture and personal sensibility and strikes at common human experience.”

– Deirdre Baker

Library Use

This book is a great example of poetry from another country. It would definitely be a good suggestion for kids looking to explore poetry. It would also be a great reference for teachers who are doing a workshop on poetry.

References

Baker, D. (2007). Review of Tap Dancing on the Roof. The Horn Book Magazine 83(5), 595, 604. Retrieved from http://www.hbook.com/horn-book-magazine-2/.

Beach, D. (2007). Review of Tap Dancing on the Roof. Library Media Connection 26(3), 88. Retrieved from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com

Park, L. S., and Banyai, I (Illustrator). (2007). Tap Dancing on the Roof. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Tap Dancing on the Roof [image]. (2008). Retrieved from https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/books/view.dT/9780618234837.