Chapter Eight: Poetic Justice Summary and Analysis

The kids have a mixed reaction to Tony remaining on after the show ended. Some give him the thumbs up. Others are suspicious about his still being there. To get the kids engaged in the poetry curriculum, Tony creates a contest based on "American Idol". On the day of the contest, each student will recite from memory a poem by a notable poet before a panel of teacher judges. First prize will be a flip cam, a small portable video camera. Tony asks if anyone knows the lyrics of a rap song. It's poetry, he tells them. Al G recites the lyrics of "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio. Tony relates the lyrics to the question of equal opportunity for all. The kids become engaged and a discussion and debate ensues.

At the contest, Matt recites Carl...