> Skip to content
  • Published: 19 March 2019
  • ISBN: 9780525515159
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $22.99

Between the Lines



Companion to Nikki Grimes's Coretta Scott King Award-winning Bronx Masquerade, about a boy who takes a poetry class to become a better reporter, shows the capacity poetry has to express ideas and feelings, and connect us with ourselves and others.

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. Ward’s 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 tell—whether it’s 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.

  • Published: 19 March 2019
  • ISBN: 9780525515159
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $22.99

Also by Nikki Grimes

See all

Praise for Between the Lines

Praise for BETWEEN THE LINES

"Told in nine voices and interspersed with poetry, Grimes stuns in this companion novel to Bronx Masquerade. Aptly describes inner-city problems, from police discrimination to gangs, but the teens are the focal point of the novel...Grimes excels at making the students multidimensional and complex. This diverse cast's strong inner conflict will enhance any bookshelf."--Booklist

"Grimes adroitly orchestrates a chorus of emotional teenage voices ...While underscoring the difficulties these teens face, Grimes's economical writing provides glimmers of hope, showing how forming bonds of trust and finding the courage to speak one's truth can help ease emotional pain and bring salvation."--Publishers Weekly

"These complex students use poetry to find their truest voices and write their own stories...The narratives of immigrants, foster children, families effected by incarceration, and teens taxed with familial burdens are thoroughly explored in a thought-provoking way. The poems and voices are a perfect blend of the many facets of American teens' lives. An excellent companion book that lends itself easily to a teacher's poetry unit, this is great choice for school and public libraries."--SLJ

"A new group of students join Mr. Ward's poetry class in the companion novel to Bronx Masquerade (2003)...[The] characters will no doubt resonate with teen readers who share their struggles and aspirations."--Kirkus Reviews