They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and we think the kids in Mr. Ward's class in Bronx Masquerade would agree. Most of these students think school doesn't relate to their lives much, but then they discover poetry. By writing and reading their own poems, these kids start to think about and express what's been inside them the whole time. These kids dig deep, identifying their problems and dreams, and growing more confident as they express themselves on the page and then read their words to their classmates.
Questions About Literature and Writing
- How does reading and writing poetry help characters express what they feel inside? What barriers get broken down in the process?
- Do you see a connection between rap music and poetry? If so, what is it? If not, why?
- Have you ever written a poem? Did you feel the same way about it as Mr. Ward's class? Would you want to read your poem out loud?
Chew on This
The kids in Mr. Ward's class prove it's important for people to read things written by authors and poets who share their cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
By using the names of real books and authors, Nikki Grimes encourages her readers to go out and explore the world of poetry after finishing her book.