Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2002. Bronx Masquerade. New York: Dial ISBN: 0803725698

2.  SUMMARY

Bronx Masquerade is a book of poetry for teens woven with dialogue of high school students detailing their daily experiences of living and going to school in the Bronx. Each student shares part of their angst and adds a poem as a connection to the story as the class studies a poetry unit called Harlem Renaissance.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bronx Masquerade is about a class that starts to have “Open Mic Fridays” where students can share their poetry with their classmates while studying poetry in Mr. Ward’s class. As the book progresses, the Open Mic days become more and more popular and go from once a month to every Friday. The ability to share their poems with fellow classmates gives the students an opportunity to express themselves in an atmosphere where they will not be picked on by peers outside the classroom. This opportunity of expression allows the students to be seen for whom they are, not just their outside appearance or environmental conditions.

The poems are introduced first by a 1 to 4 page story from one of the students giving the reader a bit of that student’s life inside or outside school and are accompanied by the student’s poem reflecting on the bit of information they shared previously. The poetry varies in style. Concrete and abstract are the main styles but rap is also introduced as a poetry style.

From Devon’s Black Box poem

In case I forgot to tell you,
I’m allergic to boxes:
Black boxes, shoe boxes,
New boxes, you boxes—
Even cereal boxes
Boasting champions.

From this poem and the previous entry by Devon, the reader learns that Devon doesn’t like to be categorized by stereotypical methods. Teen readers can identify with this and the other selections as students begin to develop a sense of self and individuality. Publisher Weekly’s reviewer states, “By book's end, all the voices have blended seamlessly into a multicultural chorus laden with a message that is probably summed up best by pretty girl, Tanisha Scott's comment, "I am not a skin color or a hank of wavy hair. I am a person, and if they don't get that, it's their problem, not mine."

The author, Nikki Grimes, tackles many issues that teens have to deal with currently. Some readers may be able to identify with the characters while others may simply enjoy reading the poetry and learning about another place and culture. This form of sharing poetry also makes it more appealing to those who are reluctant to give poetry a try. In a book format, with accompanying dialogue and hip cover, even the coolest kid will be okay toting this book around.

The overuse of slang terms by Grimes gives the book a dated feel. The book was written in 2002 and currently, students in 2011 are not using slang terms such as “word” at the end of sentences. This may seem out of date to most teens but can also open up additional dialogue if this book is enjoyed as a class or read aloud.

4.  AWARDS/REVIEWS

2002 Coretta Scott King Award

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Review "Grimes's creative, contemporary premise will hook teens, and the poems may even inspire readers to try a few of their own."

SLJ review: “As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for-real characters who show them they are not alone.”

BOOKLIST review: “readers will enjoy the lively, smart voices that talk bravely about real issues and secret fears.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

Bronx Masquerade can be a launching point for starting a teen poetry slam at your library.

To conduct a poetry slam or to learn more visit the below websites:

Author’s website including a study guide and curriculum:

http://www.nikkigrimes.com/