1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 2002. BRONX MASQUERADE. New York: Speak. ISBN 9780142501894
2. SUMMARY
In an intriguing combination of young adult narrative fiction interwoven with adolescent poetry voiced from the many identities that make up Mr. Ward's high school English class, Nikki Grimes paints an incredible tale of how poetry can open doors. By implementing Open Mic Fridays an English teacher, Mr. Ward, opens up an entirely new arena for self-expression, identity and connection among his often disenfranchised kids. Along with struggling against stereotypes as well as the limitations life can put on people, these young adults show through their poetry and first person narratives how much can change when expression is appreciated and feelings are given poetic voice. While every ill in each of their young lives is not addressed, author and poet Grimes ensures that the work these “kids” put into their poetry tells a satisfying over all story, with sweet and stunning poetry that supports to story, but also can be read wonderfully in a stand-alone performance.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
“Daily
I notice you frown
at my thick casing,
feel you poke me
with the sharp tip
of your booted words.” by Janelle Battle
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“In case I forgot to tell you,
I’m allergic to boxes; Black boxes, shoe boxes
New boxes, You boxes -
Even cereal boxes
Boasting Champions” by Devon Hope
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“When I was seven,
I looked to heaven
And dreamed
Of going to the moon
But pretty soon
Somebody came along
To change
my tune.” by Steve Ericson
With every new teenage identity she squirms into to write the poems that create the skeleton of this mixed poetry novel, a new aspect of author/poet Nikki Grimes seems to emerge. Following no one standard rhythm or rhyme patter, playing with alliteration, assonance and consonance and embedding language choices distinctly identifying the individual imaginary author, Grimes perfectly introduces you to eighteen some-odd high school students who share with you a unique identity, perspective and set of issues through their poetry. The overall emotional coaster very much resembles the genuine ups and downs of high school life. Grimes does such justice to each of her “kids” the reader cannot help but get caught up in believing that these are legitimate individual students sharing their life pains and pleasures through poetry.
While more individual poems might have been preferred the overall length of the text is appropriate for middle and high school readers. It also is an excellent means of introducing hesitant older students to the art of poetry in a more organic manner.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
Review in GOODREADS.COM: “Award-winning author Nikki Grimes captures the voices of eighteen teenagers through the poetry they share and the stories they tell, and exposes what lies beneath the skin, behind the eyes, beyond the masquerade.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A flowing, rhythmic portrait of the diversity and individuality of teen characters in a classroom....Competent and reluctant readers alike will recognize and empathize with these teens. As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for — real characters who show them they are not alone."
5. CONNECTIONS
*This is the PERFECT book to begin one’s own open mic days or poetry slams for middle to upper school students. Spin-offs from this can include allowing students to combine other forms of expression such as art or music.
*Gather books of poetry written by actual teenagers and compare how Grimes presented these young people. Ask students to evaluate how authentic her poetry sounded, and choose specific poems to compare and contras
Other Nikki Grimes poetry books:
Grimes, Nikki. COME SUNDAY. ISBN 9780802851086
Grimes, Nikki. C IS FOR CITY. ISBN 9781404629424
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