Parents' Guide to

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Soaring, poignant poems explore identity and struggle.

Book Nikki Grimes Poetry 2017
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Award-wining author Nikki Grimes' tribute to the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance is moving, soaring, meaty, and downright beautiful. One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance brings together best and some lesser known poets of the movement, taking their wisdom and words and applying them to whole new ideas, situations, and characters, imparting wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to a whole new generation of poetry fans. Grimes helps bring the haunting words of Langston Hughes' famous "Dear Son" and Jean Toomer's "Storm Ending" to kids who may not have discovered them otherwise, while expertly weaving in her own gripping and deep work.

The vibrant and varied illustrations of 15 artists add depth and underscore the poems' power. It's a seamless, eye-opening collaboration. Parents and kids alike will love Grimes' take on timeless issues of self-worth, positive motivation, racial stress, and relentlessly following your dreams.

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