LS 5623 Module 6: BRONX MASQUERADE by Nikki Grimes

Grimes, Nikki. 2003. BRONX MASQUERADE. New York: Speak. ISBN 0142501891

“I woke up this morning
exhausted from hiding
the me of me
so I stand here confiding
there's more to Devon
than jump shot and rim...
I dare you to peep
behind these eyes,
discover the poet
in tough-guy disguise....”

While studying the Harlem Renaissance, a New York high school student writes a poem in place of an assigned essay and begins a new trend at his inner city school. Surprised at the positive reception of poetry, the English teacher, Mr. Ward, starts Open Mike Fridays where students are free to express their feelings through verse. Students of all backgrounds and races learn to communicate their fears, dreams and secrets during Open Mike Fridays and slowly come to realize that their perceived differences may not be all that different.

Author Nikki Grimes does a masterful job and creating a set of characters that jump off the page with real problems and emotions. Whether white, black, Hispanic or Italian, these students all try to overcome two of the biggest teenage obstacles- self-discovery and acceptance. “A poet herself, author Grimes creates a montage of voices whose commonality rests in their sense of isolation and yearning to belong” (Bloom, 2002). Among the different voices, different styles of poetry are used to create a smooth, easy read that will not intimidate reluctant readers yet educates the audience on diversity and individuality. Each poem is preceded by a short narrative from its “writer” to provide background into his/her thoughts and feelings. “These unique characters also have a universal voice that will be recognizable to listeners” (Wysocki, 2006). Any reader who picks up a copy of BRONX MASQUERADE can relate to his/her days in high school when kids judged each other based on weight, social status, or even race or his/her own feelings of insecurity.

Although set in an inner city New York high school the story transcends geographical locations. Students across the world will connect to characters like Devon who wants to be seen for more than a jock or Raynard who is afraid to tell his friends that he is dyslexic. The overarching theme of acceptance – whether from themselves or others- is prevalent with every student who shares a poem. Even the toughest kid at school finds release through poetry and shares his dreams for the future through verse and lyrics.

“This Coretta Scott King award-winning novel offers numerous avenues to encourage young poets and may even promote more honest communication among teens” (Wysocki, 2006). A must read for high school students as much discussion, and maybe even a little poetry, are likely to be shared.

Awards/Recognition:
2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Best Book for Young Adults
Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)


References:
Bloom, Susan P. 2002. "Bronx Masquerade." Horn Book Magazine 78, no. 2: 213. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

Wysocki, Barbara. 2006. "Bronx Masquerade." School Library Journal 52, no. 11: 66-67. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).