The Putrid Poetic Ponderings of Louis J. Pasternak, AKA Dr. Skullstench is a funny read-aloud perfect for your poetry lovers-and your poetry haters. Fourth grader Louis is, shall we say, slightly unhappy about the poetry project at school, and he vows to write gross poems certain to make Miss Sweetmallow regret the unit. Filled with 25 light verse poems by Louis, and a few more lofty ones by his nemesis, Goldie, this story is chapter book length. It's about 6,500 words-great for classroom read-aloud (especially during National Poetry Month) or for independent readers. The notes Louis and his teacher exchange about his poems adds another layer to this genre-blending text.