Genre 3-LS 5603 Nikki Grimes

Genre 3-Book Review-Nikki Grimes
1.Bibliography: Grimes, Nikki. A Dime A Dozen. New York: Dial Books For Young Readers, 1998. ISBN 0803722273
2. Plot Summary: In this book of poetry, Nikki Grimes shares the pride and the disappointments that embody the character in the book. The poems are divided into three parts, each sharing the sometimes confusing, yet really exciting moments of discovering who you are today and what you will become.
3.Critical Analysis: The book begins with the poet describing how her family thought that she could not become a writer because of her surroundings. Many of the poems are shaped by events from the life of the author. From the poem “ A Dime A Dozen”, we feel the pain that she felt when told by her mother to find another dream instead. The rhythm of each of the poems fits the words and meaning, which should be read aloud to truly share the pain and heartbreak felt by the character. Each poem addresses different aspects of her life, some are positive, while others cause pain and heartbreak. In the poem titled “Untitled”, the character shares how she now fits in with all of her friends because her parents are divorced. In the poem titled “Less the Perfect”, we are introduced to a mother who needs to depend on alcohol to cope with the disappointments of life and tries her best to not let her daughter know that she is having trouble. The author shares so much emotion through her words, each part allowing the reader to peer deeper into the heart of the character. Many of the poems bringing back feelings brought on by jealousy or hurt that each one of us may have faced as we have grown into adulthood.
4. Awards won and Review Excerpts:
Junior Library Guild –Outstanding Book B Group
School Library Journal-these 28 poems celebrate family, culture, writing, and the spirit of a creative, introspective child. Grimes's carefully crafted word placement matches the rhythms and messages of the poems.
Nikki Grimes was chosen as the winner of the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children in 2006. This award is given for the poet’s group of work.
5. Connections:
Other books of poetry by Nikki Grimes:
-Grimes, Nikki. A Pocketful of Poems. ISBN-10: 0395938686
-Grimes, Nikki. Oh, Brother! ISBN-10: 0688172946
-Grimes, Nikki. Meet Danitra Brown. ISBN-10: 0688154719