Between the Lines
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
This thought-provoking companion novel to the Coretta Scott King Award-winning Bronx Masquerade shows the capacity poetry has to express ideas and feelings, and reminds one and all that the greatest common denominator is the human heart.
“These complex students use poetry to find their truest voices and write their own stories.”—School Library Journal
“Aptly describes inner-city problems, from police discrimination to gangs, but the teens are the focal point of the novel.”—Booklist
Words Rock Classroom!
That’s a headline Darrian Lopez might write after spending time in Mr. Ward’s class, known for its open-mic poetry readings. Darrian’s there hoping to hone his writing skills so that someday he can report for the New York Times. As the students start telling their stories, Darrian observes that despite their differences, they’re all just trying to do their best in a world full of challenges, be it from their family dynamics, an unfair judicial system, or their own personal demons.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Grimes adroitly orchestrates a chorus of emotional teenage voices in this thought-provoking companion to the Coretta Scott King Award winning Bronx Masquerade (2001). A summer has passed since the events of the previous book, and English teacher Mr. Ward has a new crop of culturally diverse students learning the art of poetry. Junior Darrian Lopez, who wants to be a newspaperman someday, is eager to uncover the backgrounds of his classmates. Grimes uses him as a kind of conductor, introducing readers to (and reflecting on the situations of) students whose stories unfold through snippets of conversation, inner monologues, and the poems they compose. Among them are foster child Jenesis, who faces an uncertain future once she turns 18; angry Marcel, whose father has been unjustly incarcerated; and overworked Freddie, caretaker for her alcoholic mother and six-year old niece. While underscoring the difficulties these teens face, Grimes's economical writing provides glimmers of hope, showing how forming bonds of trust and finding the courage to speak one's truth can help ease emotional pain and bring salvation. Ages 12 up.
