Between the Lines by Nikki Grimes - ADVISABLE

Grimes, Nikki Between the Lines (Bronx Masquerade, #2), 213 pages. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2018. $18. Content: Language: PG-13 (29 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG.  

Mr. Ward’s poetry class has started a new year.  A new set of kids with their own unique problems and concerns learns how to express themselves and support each other.  As the class comes to an end the girls and boys make teams and participate in a poetry slam for their community, school and parents. 

I love Grimes poetry and writing.  Her ability to express unique voices and address concerns like prejudice, discrimination, anxiety, alcoholism and immigration was very well done.  This would be good for a poetry unit.  The content includes drug references, neglect, abuse and cop brutality.  I especially appreciated the author’s note about aging out of the foster care system with a list of  resources, statistics and concerns about how to help these kids. 

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.