PTA DAD

Foul-Mouthed Poetry & Prose from a Real-Life PTA Dad

In his first book of poetry, award-winning writer-producer Tomás Romero takes a wry, darkly satirical look at modern parenting, friendship, and the juicy, behind-the-gavel drama of the elementary school PTA.  Brimming with humor, humanity, and genuine bite, Romero’s timely, foul-mouthed poetry collection heralds the arrival of a bold new voice on the scene. It is essential reading for parents and poetry fans alike. 

A veteran Hollywood screenwriter and journalist, Romero was inspired by everything from films like Heathers and Mean Girls to the punk hooks and sly humor of Blondie and The Ramones. But the real impetus for PTA DAD came when Romero helped out at a poetry cafe in his daughter’s fourth-grade classroom, where she described poetry as the “TikTok of literature.”

“I’m not sure what Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes would have to say about that,” jokes Romero. “But hearing those kids and their parents freestyle poetry on stage was magical and inspired me to start writing poetry of my own.”

And though he admits that several of the poems in PTA DAD were inspired by the parents, he has volunteered during his 6-plus years in the PTA, Romero is also quick to point out that his book
is a work of fiction.

“One of my mom friends called it ‘Gossip Girl for the Burbank PTA,’ but I’m sticking with what I wrote in the introduction,” deadpans Romero. “Any similarities to actual PTA parents, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Except for that one mom. Ha-ha!”

“Seriously though, for me, this book is a celebration of all of the weird and wonderfully badass PTA parents, teachers, and administrators who give everything they’ve got every day to help our schools and students not just succeed but soar,” says Romero.“It’s a tough gig, especially right now. So, my hat is off to anyone who’s up to that challenge!” 

PTA DAD: Foul-Mouthed Poetry & Prose from a Real-Life PTA Dad is available now in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3csb7Ni