Bronx Masquerade, by Nikki Grimes

Bronx Masquerade

by Nikki Grimes

Penguin Group, NY 2002

When Mr. Ward asks Wesley “Bad Boy” Boone to share his poem about Langston Hughes with his class he finds that other students are interested in sharing poetry too. What starts out as a few minutes one Friday a month becomes a weekly poetry reading that other students sneak in to hear. Each chapter provides a different student’s point of view, followed by one of their poems. The poems, rather than demonstrating the classmates differences, highlight their similarities, dreams for the future, and desire to fit in with one another. 

The brief one- to three-page chapters followed by each character's poems move the reader quickly through the story while Tyrone’s commentary ties the differing viewpoints together. Each student has their own set of issues and the open mike poetry reading experience gives them the confidence to work through the problems with the help of their classmates.  I was impressed with the way the author was able to craft poetry that reflected each of the teen’s unique situations and personalities while demonstrating their similarities.

Bottom Line:
Fast read, Great poetry; Anyone interested in an open mike in the library?