NIKKI GRIMES

Nikki Grimes''s lyrical text and Bryan Collier''s distinctive collages tell the inspirational story of Barack Obama. Raised in Jakarta and Hawaii, Obama has become a force for social change. Like JFK and Martin Luther King, Obama is a link in the long chain of people who have fought so that the United States fulfils the promises upon which it was founded. Just as the baton has been passed to Obama from previous leaders, Obama is already a role model for the young people who will one day assume the mantle of leadership.

Things can be much more than things. Why do we love the things that we do? The old guitar, the champagne flutes, the miniature model carand what happens when those objects change hands? In the buying and the selling of things, objects once loved but perhaps discarded or forgotten, we find a treasure trove of untold stories. . . stories of pain, joy, hope, dreams, disappointment. What new purposes might unfold when these objects move from old owners to new? What spiritual, unseen things happen in that ordinary human transaction? Can love be passed on through pre-owned possessions?New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes invites us to discover what her grandmother taught herhow there is value in the old and used, and how things are much more than thingsthey are stories of our humanity. Wise, thoughtful, and unsparingly candid, this unique and moving collection of stories-as-verse helps us on our journeys of letting go, rediscovering purpose, and experiencing redemption and renewal for the worn out and broken places in our hearts. Step in, look around, have a listen, and be twice blessed.

Michael L. Printz Honor BookRobert F. Sibert Honor BookBoston Globe/Horn Book Nonfiction Honor BookArnold Adoff Poetry Award for TeensSix Starred ReviewsBooklist BCCB The Horn Book Publishers Weekly School Library Connection Shelf AwarenessA Booklist Best Book for Youth * A BCCB Blue Ribbon * A Horn Book Fanfare Book * A Shelf Awareness Best Childrens Book * Recommended on NPRs "Morning Edition" by Kwame AlexanderIn her own voice, acclaimed author and poet Nikki Grimes explores the truth of a harrowing childhood in a compelling and moving memoir in verse.Growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and a mostly absent father, Nikki Grimes found herself terrorized by babysitters, shunted from foster family to foster family, and preyed upon by those she trusted. At the age of six, she poured her pain onto a piece of paper late one night - and discovered the magic and impact of writing. For many years, Nikkis notebooks were her most enduing companions. In this accessible and inspiring memoir that will resonate with young readers and adults alike, Nikki shows how the power of those words helped her conquer the hazards - ordinary and extraordinary - of her life.

This emotionally resonant novel in verse by award-winning author Nikki Grimes celebrates choosing to be true to yourself.Garveys father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, readinganything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garveys life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself, and a way to finally reach his distant fatherby speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports.

Heres Nikki Grimess clever alphabet rhyme as a guide to a big city. From the ice-skating rink to the opera, C is for City is alive with activity. Pat Cummingss vivid illustrations are filled with alphabetical items for which to search. An answer key is provided in the back.

This emotionally resonant novel in verse by award-winning author Nikki Grimes celebrates choosing to be true to yourself.Garveys father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, readinganything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garveys life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself, and a way to finally reach his distant fatherby speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports.

Twenty-eight poems celebrate family, culture, writing, and the spirit of a creative child.

Dyamonde knows its whats on the inside that counts! Dyamonde loves eating her moms pancakes. Free loves eating . . . period. But lately Damaris just pushes her food around her plate, and Dyamonde suspects it has something to do with the mean things classmates have been saying about peoples weight. Damaris wonders if they might be talking about her too. Dyamonde knows that Damaris doesnt have a weight problem and is perfect just the way she is--so now its time for her to make sure Damaris knows that, too. In this fourth installment of the award-winning series, Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimess lovable Dyamonde Daniel is back, with a timely message about self-acceptance and healthy eating habits--delivered with her trademark spunk.

Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library?s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is one hundred dollars?just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. And when they get to know Damaris, they realize the one who could use the prize money the most also happens to be the best poet in class. In this fantastic follow-up to Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel, Nikki Grimes tackles big issues like homelessness in a sensitive, kid-friendly way. Dymonde?s can-do attitude and lively spirit will endear her to readers.

A Coretta Scott King Honor BookParis has just moved in with the Lincoln family, and she isnt thrilled to be in yet another foster home. She has a tough time trusting people, and she misses her brother, whos been sent to a boys home. Over time, the Lincolns grow on Paris. But no matter how hard she tries to fit in, she cant ignore the feeling that she never will, especially in a town thats mostly white while she is half black. It isnt long before Paris has a big decision to make about where she truly belongs.

In this Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, Childrens Literature Legacy Award-winner Nikki Grimes explores though her celebrated poetry how a supportive teacher can be the key to unlocking a dreamers imaginative power through creative writing.Gabbys world is filled with daydreams. However, what began as an escape from her parents arguments has now taken over her life. But with the help of a new teacher, Gabby the dreamer might just become Gabby the writer and the words that once carried her away might allow her to soar. Written in vivid, accessible poems, this remarkable verse novel is a celebration of imagination, of friendship, of one girls indomitable spirit, and of a teachers ability to reach out and change a life.Coretta Scott King Author Honor bookNCTE Notable Childrens Books in the English Language ArtsKirkus Reviews Best Book

Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesnt stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. Hes awfully grouchy - but Dyamondes determined to get to the bottom of his frowning attitude and make a friend. Readers will fall in love with Dyamonde Daniel, the spirited star of a new series by Nikki Grimes. With her upbeat, take-charge attitude, Dyamonde is a character to cheer for - and the fun, accessible storytelling will hook kids from the first page.

Dyamonde really wants red high-top sneakers. Too bad theyre so expensive! A classmate tells her its her moms job to give her what she needs, but when Dyamonde tries that argument, her mom teaches her a lesson by literally only giving her what she needs. Now Dyamonde is down to almost zero outfits! But then she finds out one of her friends has it much worse, and shes determined to do what she can to help. Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes third book starring the unstoppable Dyamonde Daniel will delight fans and new readers alike, with energetic storytelling, relatable situations and Dyamondes spitfire personality.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, and New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes introduces Glory, Too, a soul-stirring collection of poetry that delves into the depths of faith, hope, and the human experience by one of Americas preeminent black poets. In a marriage of poetry, faith, and worship, Ms. Grimes poems illuminate the Scriptures that grace every Sunday of the year. Her inimitable voice and imagination offer glimpses of glory we might not otherwise see, throughout the seasons of the year.With lyrical precision and spiritual insight, she invites readers on a journey of reflection, weaving together themes of grace, redemption, and the enduring power of Gods love throughout the year.As the companion volume to her previous book Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems, Glory, Too resonates with authenticity and depth, giving testimony to the transformative power of poetry and the enduring hope found in the embrace of Gods eternal grace.High StyleLouboutin stilettosare recognizable at a distance.Those shiny red solestell you everything.When Gucci handbagsare in a room,they virtually shout.Now, Im not much for labels,but Ive noticed howGods garments stand out.Take the suit, a second skinmade of holinessa rare fabric,that usually itches, at firstuntil the wearergets used to it;Beyond that,Gods personal styleis all about the layered look:the silk of compassion,golden threads of kindnesswoven through the vest,humility cinching in the waist, meekness and patiencefalling to the ankles,and love thickly drapedacross the shoulders.The clothing God designsis never mistakenfor anyones but his.And when were wise enoughto don his attire,we look like morethan a million.

"Glory in the Margins is a gift and a challenge: a collection that could be well-worn by pastors and prisoners, could be healing in both a hospital room or busy auditorium, and could offer inspiration in both the quiet of personal devotion or a bustling sanctuary." Dana VanderLugt, Reformed JournalNew York Times bestselling author and poet Nikki Grimes explains, "A study of scripture reveals that Jesus spent a lot of time with people in the margins. As an African American, I live in the margins, and I can tell you that its a place most of us would rather not be. And yet, I know there is always glory to be found in the margins because of the Lords presence in, and with us.""As Poet Laureate of my Grace Brethren Church in Southern California, its my job to distill the heart of the weekly sermon into a poem. I dive into each weeks chosen scripture, viewing it from my own perspective as Black, as woman, as poet, always a little left of center, and looking for the glory to be found in the margins of life, and of the text. Of course, those of us who live in the margins are not what anyone expects, and the very notion that God might speak through us, through me, may seem a bit wild. But he does. I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, said the Lord. Gods busy in the hearts of all who call on him."Glory in the Margins is published under Paraclete Presss Iron Pen imprint. In the book of Job, a suffering man pours out his anguish to his Maker. From the depths of his pain, he reveals a trust in Gods goodness that is stronger than his despair, giving humanity some of the most beautiful and poetic verses of all time. Paracletes Iron Pen imprint is inspired by this spirit of unvarnished honesty and tenacious hope.

Winner, 2023 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry AwardCapturing the shock and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of Garvey, a beloved character, Nikki Grimess newest novel in verse shows readers how to find hope in difficult times.Garveys finally happyhes feeling close to his father through their shared love of music, bullies are no longer tormenting him, and his best friends Manny and Joe are by his side. But when the schools, stores, and restaurants close because people are getting sick, Garveys improved life goes into lockdown as well. And when Garveys father gets sick, Garvey must find a way to use his newfound musical skills to bring hope to both his father and himself. Moving, powerful, and beautifully told, this remarkable novel shows readers how even small acts have large reverberations, how every person can make a difference in this world, and howeven in the most difficult timesthere are ways to reach for hope and healing. Nikki Grimes is a New York Times bestselling author who has won the ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature, the Childrens Literature Legacy Award, the Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, and NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She has also received several ALSC Notables, a Coretta Scott King Author Award, Coretta Scott King Author Honors, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors, a Printz Honor, and a Sibert Honor.

This award-winning novel is a powerful exploration of self, an homage to spoken-word poetry, and an intriguing look into the life of eighteen teens.When Wesley Boone writes a poem for his high school English class, some of his classmates clamor to read their poems aloud too. Soon theyre having weekly poetry sessions and, one by one, the eighteen students are opening up and taking on the risky challenge of self-revelation. Theres Lupe Alvarin, desperate to have a baby so she will feel loved. Raynard Patterson, hiding a secret behind his silence. Porscha Johnson, needing an outlet for her anger after her mother ODs. Through the poetry they share and narratives in which they reveal their most intimate thoughts about themselves and one another, their words and lives show what lies beneath the skin, behind the eyes, beyond the masquerade.

This thought-provoking companion to Nikki Grimes Coretta Scott King Award-winning Bronx Masquerade shows the capacity poetry has to express ideas and feelings, and connect us with ourselves and others. Darrian dreams of writing for the New York Times. To hone his skills and learn more about the power of words, he enrolls in Mr. Wards class, known for its open-mic poetry readings and boys vs. girls poetry slam. Everyone in class has something important to say, and in sharing their poetry, they learn that they all face challenges and have a story to tellwhether its about health problems, aging out of foster care, being bullied for religious beliefs, or having to take on too much responsibility because of an addicted parent. As Darrian and his classmates get to know one another through poetry, they bond over the shared experiences and truth that emerge from their writing, despite their private struggles and outward differences.

Her name is Jazmin, and like the music of her name, her life throbs and swings?a few flat notes to be sure, but also bursting with rich passages that rise and soar. Sitting on her stoop she fills her notebook with laughs, anger, and hope. There?s the risky lure of ?luscious-looking? men and the consequences of free haircuts. This is a fourteen-year-old so-real girl living in Harlem in the 1960?s, ?born with clenched fists? and big dreams, and strengthened by the love of a steadfast sister. Captured within pages of her tough, exuberant life are all the beauty, chaos, confusion, and clarity that accompany the excitement of exploring life?s possibilities?and discovering they are endless.