Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes. 176 p. Penguin Young Readers Group, December, 2003. 9780142501894. (Own)
The eighteen students in Mr. Ward's english class are studying the Harlem Renaissance. When one student, Wesley, writes a poem instead of an essay for an assignment, Mr. Ward is inspired to host open mic and encourages his students to write and share their poems. This class is filled with students from a variety of cultures and mostly poor families. Readers learn about them - their struggles at home and in school - and come to appreciate how important this class becomes for each.
Nikki Grimes won the 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award for Bronx Masquerade. She has written a number of verse novels between then and now. A sequel of sorts, Between the Lines is due out on February 13.
No comments:
Post a Comment