Coretta Scott King Bronx Masquerade

Grimes, N. (2002). Bronx Masquerade. New York: Dial Books.

(1). What did you like or dislike about the book?
I absolutely loved this book and it was my favorite that I was asked to read. I loved that the story wove poetry into the lives of the students we read about. I love how there was a teacher who was involved in the lives of his students to create a weekly poetry reading session. After reading the poetry the students learned more about themselves and each other. After reading the poetry a student said he felt like his fellow classmates weren’t as different as he once thought.

(2). What in your life may have influenced your reaction or response to this book?
This story reminded me of why I’m a teacher and how I want to impact the lives of my students beyond the classroom.

(3). How would you compare this book to another book or books, or book or books by same author?
This book reminded me of a mix of the movie Dangerous Minds and the book Goodbye Mr. Chips. This book told the story of a teacher who encouraged his students to become involved in their poetry just like these teachers were involved in their students. In this book many students came from challenging lives and told about them in their poetry.

(4). What new thing (information or insight) did you learn about children's literature in reading this book?
I learned that children’s literature can inspire you to follow your dreams. It can also give you great ideas for things to do in your classroom.