I have read about half of Nikki Grimes' Bronx Masquerade and I am loving it! I read the first half of it in one sitting because I just could not put it down! I think it is so well written and easily relatable for young adults of any racial or ethnic group. I am not sure, since I am only half way through the book, if the characters' story lines get more developed or if each two or three page narrative and one poem is all you get from most of the characters. I also can't tell if I want to hear more about these characters than just the two or three pages we receive. I think I might enjoy developing my own endings for each of the characters. It would give the reader a sense of control over the story which may inspire them to take control of their own life. I like how in this book, the perspectives of many different characters are given instead of just one person. It gives the reader more of a well-rounded perspective of a racial group. I also really enjoy how Tyrone gives his own views on each student and their poem. It shows that one person's perceptions of people can, and usually do, change once they hear more about a person's life.
I also did some brief research on Nikki Grimes and I came across her website (as I am sure many of you did as well). Here is the link, incase you have yet to find this site. It provides a lot of information, including other books she has written, a brief biography and more. I also found a video of a class doing their own version of "Open Mike Fridays" based off of Grimes' book. This video was a great way for me to visualize the book and see what happens in Mr. Ward's classroom.
See you all on Wednesday!
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