Between the Lines
Poetry group helps teens find true selves in moving novel.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that New York Times best-selling author Nikki Grimes' Between the Lines is a companion book to her award-winning Bronx Masquerade about a meaningful high school poetry group. It can be read as a standalone, and parents should be prepared to deal with discussions about the foster care system, child abuse, the prison industrial complex, and childhood disease.
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What's the Story?
In BETWEEN THE LINES, Darrin Lopez wants to be a reporter for the New York Times, so when a teacher suggests that he check out poetry, he totally freaks. What does rhyming words have to do with hard news? Joining the poetry group and getting ready for the poetry slam, Darrin learns that not all poems rhyme and that everyone has a story; you just have to listen. Can this newspaper reporter go from writing just the facts to writing the truth of what's in his soul?
Is It Any Good?
With new students, old favorites, and an epic poetry slam, this powerful companion book doesn't disappoint as it offers another fun and honest look at teens' lives. Like Bronx Masquerade, it masterfully explores the truth of the lives the teens live using their own poetry as supplements to their personal stories revealed throughout the novel. Nothing is as it seems, and that's what makes Between the Lines work -- because everyone can relate to wearing a mask to face the world. Everyone can relate to being afraid to be judged for revealing who they truly are, especially when the truth is embarrassing, scary, sad, or uncomfortable. The book clearly illustrates the need for a safe space for teens to explore and express themselves as they navigate the transition between adolescence and adulthood. It also reiterates the importance of supportive, stable adults in kids' lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Between the Lines, Darrin has a huge interest in newspapers. Do you read the news? How do you talk about tough things you read? How do you spot fake news?
Families can also talk about foster care and adoption. Do you know anyone who has been in foster care or adopted? What misconceptions do you think people have about foster care? What challenges do adopted and fostered kids face?
Families can talk about positive body image. Several kids deal with issues that stem from how people perceive them to be because of their body. Girls who are pretty are assumed not to have any problems. A boy with a heart issue is deemed delicate by his parents. How do you maintain a positive outlook on who you are when faced with messages you get from the media and at home?
Book Details
- Author: Nikki Grimes
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Arts and Dance, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date: February 13, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 224
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 18, 2018
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Poet X
Powerful, haunting story of finding your voice and power.
-
The Crossover
Soaring, poignant, novel in verse hits all the right spots.
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Bronx Masquerade
Teens find true selves through poetry in heartfelt novel.
For kids who love poetry and coming-of-age stories
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