Bronx Masquerade
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that New York Times Bestselling author Nikki Grimes' award-winning Bronx Masquerade, originally published in 2001, introduces students to poetry as a way to express themselves and shatter stereotypes about themselves and their culture. Grimes published a companion novel, Between the Lines, in February 2018, but the books can be read independently. Parents should be prepared to talk about modern issues teens face, including body acceptance, street and police violence, media stereotypes, street harassment, sexuality, family issues, and the tough transition from kid to adult.
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What's the story?
In BRONX MASQUERADE, Tyrone and his classmates learn that behind every label is a real person with a story to tell. When English teacher Mr. Ward starts teaching about the Harlem Renaissance, particularly the poets of the Renaissance, one by one the students drop their labels and share what's in their hearts, including Tyrone. For the first time in his life Tyrone thinks about a future that doesn't include dying young. Lupe yearns for a baby so someone will love her, Gloria is coping with how to be a student and a mom, Janelle is trying to hide her weight and worry from the eyes of everyone around her, and Raynard has a big secret -- and it's not what everyone thinks. Each of these students and several others find something special in poetry. But is it what they need?
Is it any good?
Thrilling, fast-paced, and heartfelt, this novel shows that with the right opportunity, students can take power over stereotypes and show who they truly are to themselves, one another, and the world. Author Nikki Grimes creates a moving snapshot of several students as we follow them through their exploration and discovery of poetry. These are normal kids with real-world problems who are learning how to navigate societal, family, and self-esteem issues. Grimes brings them into the reader's living room and makes readers fall in love with them. Grimes' poetry shows rather than tells the story, and that makes Bronx Masquerade a remarkable, heartwarming read.
The book's pacing and subject matter makes it great for reluctant readers, as well. Parents and teachers will love the opportunity to discuss historical and current poets of note.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how the students in Bronx Masquerade challenge stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Do you notice stereotypes in the movies, books, and news you consume? How do you deal with them?
In the book Tyrone uses poetry to work through his feelings, and Raul and Diondra use art. What do you use?
Before they joined the poetry group, some of the students were considered "enemies," but once they got to know each other that all changed. Have you ever thought a schoolmate was one way -- stuck up, a jock, etc. -- and learned something completely different about that person after getting to know him or her?
Book details
- Author: Nikki Grimes
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Speak/Penguin Books
- Publication date: April 23, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 192
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Awards: ALA Best and Notable Books, Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love poetry and diverse stories
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