Every Face a Different Shade

Bronx Masquerade

by Nikki Grimes

Summary

A group of students in a Bronx high school are studying the Harlem Renessance, and the poetry of the era takes hold. The teacher declares Open Mike Fridays, and encourages his students to bring in their personal poems to share with the class. Author Grimes presents their poetry mixed in with the personal stories behind it, along with the observations of a few classmates, in particular, a student named Tyronne, who, before the unit began, hardly gave school a second thought.

The students poems reflect their fears, dreams, thoughts, and observations, and by sharing their personal experiences with each other in the form of poetry, they all begin to see each other differently, and with more respect. And as a class, they begin to show others that they are not just rowdy kids with no ambitions, but real people who cannot be classified based on their location or skin color.

Worth staying up past bedtime?

Absolutely. I could not put this book down. I love how Grimes separates the poems with the students personal observations of what inspires the written words. Her teenagers are so real, and their problems and thoughts are so in-line with today’s young adults. I found myself relating to them and thinking back on my own high school experience as I read their words. The poems also have a lot to say about discrimination and the way many of the kids in Bronx are stereotyped simply based on their race or where they live. I enjoyed hearing their thoughts about those issues, and seeing their passion for rising above the rough and tumble street life so many people expect them to fall into.

Reviews

“As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they’re looking for - real characters who show them they are not alone.” - School Library Journal

“All of the [students], black, Latino, white, male, and female, talk about the unease and alienation endemic to their ages, and they do it in fresh and appealing voices. Rich and complex.” - Kirkus Reviews

In the library

Read Bronx Masquerade aloud with students and then discuss their thoughts about poetry - both in the book, and in general. Students who may have been left with a bad taste in their mouth from previous poetry experiences might have something new to say after hearing Grimes’ fresh, teen-infused words.

Consider hosting an open mike poetry reading. Invite students to bring in their original poems, and kick the event off with a reading from Grimes’ book or something similar.

SLIS 5420

Module 14

Nov. 30-Dec.5