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another_reader754's review against another edition
5.0
The end of this book felt like icing on a cake.
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not into poetry but I really enjoyed this book in which teens of varying backgrounds bond over "Open Mike Fridays" in their English class. All the teens in the group learn things they would have never guessed about their classmates. Each classmate has a chapter or two and there is a poem between each chapter.
maryehavens's review against another edition
4.0
I liked all the different voices and, since I listened to it, I could really "hear" the difference in the voices. I have to admit that I had concentrate really hard to the poems otherwise they would go by and I would have no clue what I just listened to.
This book reminded me a lot of Teenage Diaries except that it was fiction. I had to remind myself of that because of the authenticity that Grimes gave each voice.
This book reminded me a lot of Teenage Diaries except that it was fiction. I had to remind myself of that because of the authenticity that Grimes gave each voice.
reading_rachel's review against another edition
4.0
Following a handful of teens through an urban high school, Nikki Grimes gives voices to some great characters. They deal with tough stuff that a lot of kids can relate to, and I think this would be a great book to use in the classroom.
chefd's review against another edition
5.0
I now understand why this won the Corretta Scott King Award. Powerful, moving and uplifting at the same time with poetry thrown in the mix. Loved it.
literaryk's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read once I got the hang of the characters. Following the stories of everyone in the class, we get glimpes of each student's life, thoughts, and dreams.
Their poems reflected teenage angst quite well. I still wanted more from this book though, more development I think. Some of the writing and storylines felt a little cringe-y and outdated too.
Overall, not bad
Their poems reflected teenage angst quite well. I still wanted more from this book though, more development I think. Some of the writing and storylines felt a little cringe-y and outdated too.
Overall, not bad
arielml's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book was awesome. I read it really quickly because I found it engaging and easy to get into. The only skepticism I have is whether this is how kids in the Bronx would really talk, write, and think, or whether it's just an idealized version of how we hope it would be. These kids are deep, and they are able to distill their personal challenges into powerful life lessons (eloquently phrased, too). I don't remember being like that as a teenager, but maybe some teenagers are more mature than I was ... and write better poetry.
rlafleur85's review against another edition
4.0
A great vehicle to read and discuss poetry and literary elements.
smarquardt9's review against another edition
LOVED it! Reading it with my students right now.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
3.0
An exploration of different character voices and writing styles. The story of how an English class slowly connects through writing and reading aloud their own poetry. Each chapter switches from character to character only to be followed by their poem of the week. The characters interact with each other and tell their reactions, showing the growing connection between the classmates and their personalities. Deals with unique and interesting issues as the story moves forward. Issues of body image, teen pregnancy, abuse, racial identity, and others emerge. A strong account of community and identity.