Description
In the seventh grade Waldorf classroom students explore the world of poetry and venture in to writing their own. In eighth grade and high school they continue this journey so this book can be introduced into any of those years. This book provides a wonderful way to diversify their knowledge of poetry beyond the European classics. What will happen when a child finds out that poetry comes in many kinds of voices and one of those voices could be very close to their own? Wonderful things will happen! Pairing the poems with work by many different artists is the cherry on top. Children will get to explore the wonderful world of poetry and visual art at the same time. – Kristie Burns, Earthschooling.com
From the New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes an emotional, special new collection of poetry inspired by the Harlem Renaissance–paired with full-color, original art from today’s most exciting African-American illustrators.
“One Last Word is the work of a master poet.” –Kwame Alexander, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Crossover
From the New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes an emotional, special new collection of poetry inspired by the Harlem Renaissance — paired with full-color, original art from today’s most exciting African-American illustrators.
“Timely and thought-provoking . . . Grimes’ choice of form, the Golden Shovel poem, does the magic of weaving generations of black verbal artistry into a useful, thematic, golden thread. . . . This striking, passionate anthology reminds young readers and adult fans of poetry alike that while black life remains ‘no crystal stair,’ there remains reason to hope and a reserve of courage from which to draw.” – starred review, Kirkus Reviews
“Through a chorus of contemporary voices–including proud parents, striving children, and weary but determined elders–Grimes powerfully transposes the original poems themes of racial bias, hidden inner selves, beauty, and pride into the here and now.” – starred review, Publishers Weekly
“Innovative and powerful . . . a beautiful new homage to the Harlem Renaissance but also a moving reflection on the African American experience and the resilience of the human spirit.” – starred review, School Library Journal
“Between the covers of this compact volume lies artistic, literary, sociocultural, and curricular gold . . . Mothers and elders exhort and reflect while young boys and girls plead and dream, reimagining the sorrows and dreams of the legendary wordsmiths into scenarios involving superheroes, bullies, peer pressure, poverty, and prom dates that young readers will relate to. This is simply essential for both personal and classroom collections.” – starred review, BCCB
“The vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance is illuminated in Grimess provocative poetry collection . . . This enterprising and unusual volume not only introduces the Harlem Renaissance to young readers but also presents the challenge of a new way to write and enjoy poetry.” –The Horn Book Magazine
“[Grimes’s] accessible verse and clear themes of self-acceptance and open-mindedness ring true. A work that should help adolescent readers find the courage and humor to grow into the individuals they already are.” –Kirkus Reviews on PLANET MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Captures universal moments of confusion, anger, guilt, and fun.” –Booklist on PLANET MIDDLE SCHOOL
