One Last Word: Wisdom From the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. One last word : wisdom from the harlem renaissance. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA, 2017.
ISBN: 978-1619635548
2. Plot Summary
ISBN: 978-1619635548
2. Plot Summary
Written in the “Golden Shovel” form, Nikki Grimes shares an anthology of poems embodying stories, experiences, and “wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance”.
3. Critical Analysis
Nikki Grimes writes her anthology One Last Word ever so cleverly using the "Golden Shovel" form. Grimes includes her inspiration poem and she bolds out a line or stanza as her inspiration. Grimes takes every word of the line, stanza or in some cases the entire poem and puts the words separately in the right margin, one on each line. Then, she crafts a new poem incorporating the words. The effect is essentially that the theme of her inspiration poems bleeds into her writing, but at the same time, she organizes stories and experiences from African Americans. Through her powerful use of emotion, Grimes tugs at the heartstrings of readers as they read of a bullied child, a white boy that wants to take an African American girl to a dance, and a young man that has faith in himself and his abilities but is judged as someone different. Grimes' rich use of language and personification and exaggeration bring the experiences behind her poems to the forefront. For example, in the poem, Jabari Unmasked, Jabari's dreams are described as "bleeding on the road." Also incredibly powerful (no pun intended) is the metaphor of powerful tangy ginger to a calm demeanor. Grimes accomplishes her goal; she brings thought-provoking stories to life in her beautifully written poetry and at the same time she does a masterful job of paying homage to the greats of the Harlem Renaissance. Vibrant and engaging artwork accompanies the poetry of One Last Word. Artwork from several African American artists is scattered throughout the collection of poems, including a piece by Nikki Grimes herself. Overall, the colors, movement, and emotion conveyed in the paintings match perfectly with the message Grimes is sharing in her poetry. Enough variety exists to bring awareness to the reader and observer, but also enough cohesiveness where the anthology feels like one complete package. Readers can reference a glossary in the back of the book with biographies for both the inspiration poets and the artists.
4. Review Excerpts
From GoodReads: “Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking.”
3. Critical Analysis
Nikki Grimes writes her anthology One Last Word ever so cleverly using the "Golden Shovel" form. Grimes includes her inspiration poem and she bolds out a line or stanza as her inspiration. Grimes takes every word of the line, stanza or in some cases the entire poem and puts the words separately in the right margin, one on each line. Then, she crafts a new poem incorporating the words. The effect is essentially that the theme of her inspiration poems bleeds into her writing, but at the same time, she organizes stories and experiences from African Americans. Through her powerful use of emotion, Grimes tugs at the heartstrings of readers as they read of a bullied child, a white boy that wants to take an African American girl to a dance, and a young man that has faith in himself and his abilities but is judged as someone different. Grimes' rich use of language and personification and exaggeration bring the experiences behind her poems to the forefront. For example, in the poem, Jabari Unmasked, Jabari's dreams are described as "bleeding on the road." Also incredibly powerful (no pun intended) is the metaphor of powerful tangy ginger to a calm demeanor. Grimes accomplishes her goal; she brings thought-provoking stories to life in her beautifully written poetry and at the same time she does a masterful job of paying homage to the greats of the Harlem Renaissance. Vibrant and engaging artwork accompanies the poetry of One Last Word. Artwork from several African American artists is scattered throughout the collection of poems, including a piece by Nikki Grimes herself. Overall, the colors, movement, and emotion conveyed in the paintings match perfectly with the message Grimes is sharing in her poetry. Enough variety exists to bring awareness to the reader and observer, but also enough cohesiveness where the anthology feels like one complete package. Readers can reference a glossary in the back of the book with biographies for both the inspiration poets and the artists.
4. Review Excerpts
From GoodReads: “Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking.”
From Kirkus Review: “This striking, passionate anthology reminds young readers and adult fans of poetry alike that while black life remains “no crystal stair,” there remains reason to hope and a reserve of courage from which to draw.”
From School Library Journal: “...The result is not only a beautiful homage to the Harlem Renaissance but also a moving reflection on the African American experience and the resilience of the human spirit.”
5. Connections
5. Connections
Poems about Poets
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
By Kwame Alexander and Illustrated by Chris Colderley
ISBN: 978-0763680947
The Golden Shovel Anthology: New Poems Honoring Gwendolyn Brooks
Edited by Peter Kahn and Ravi Shankar and Patricia Smith
ISBN: 978-1682260241
Also By Nikki Grimes
Words With Wings
By Nikki Grimes
ISBN: 978-1590789858
Nikki’s collection of poems would make a great addition to a lesson about the Harlem Renaissance. I would also love to encourage students to try their hand at the “Golden Shovel” form with one of Nikki Grimes’ poems.
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