One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance
Common Sense says
- Nikki Grimes
- Poetry
- 2017
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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 One Last Word: Wisdom form the Harlem Renaissance is a collection of poems by award-winning author Nikki Grimes. Grimes uses the so-called Golden Shovel style of poetry to build new poems around parts of works by poets of the Harlem Renaissance, a literary, artistic, and intellectual movement in New York City from 1918 through 1937. The poems cover a variety of topics, including interracial dating, racial and gender stereotypes, racial inequality, and self-image. These topics are covered in an uplifting, inspiring, and at times frank tone.
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What's the story?
ONE LAST WORD: WISDOM FROM THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE is a brilliant collection of Golden Shovel poetry -- poetry that takes part of an already published poem and then uses it to create a whole new poem. Harnessing poignant poetry from Harlem Renaissance poetry greats like Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Bennett, Clara Ann Thompson, Jean Toomer, among others modern-day masters, Nikki Grimes spins new poems with new situations, calls to action, and wisdom for life that in most cases have a distinctly modern edge.
Is it any good?
Award-wining auhor 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 followoing your dreams.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can discuss the issues with self-image presented in One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance. Which poems touch on the media's influence how people see themselves and how others see them? How do you think the media could do a better job of portraying women and minorities?
Families can talk about the use of the Golden Shovel technique in One Last Word. Can you take one of the poems featured and create your own poem from it?
Families can also talk about positive motivation featured in the book. Which poem inspires you the most?
Book details
- Author: Nikki Grimes
- Illustrators: R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Elizabeth Zunon, Javaka Steptoe
- Genre: Poetry
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date: January 3, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 128
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
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