Image: http://barnesandnoble.com
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. My Man Blue. Ill by Jerome Lagarrigue. New York. Puffin Books. ISBN 0329292110
1. Review of Book:
My Man Blue is a collection of poems that tells a story of a young African American boy named Damon who is growing up in an urban neighborhood. In the beginning Damon meets a man named Blue who he begins to look up to and respect as a friend and a father figure because we learn that his own father is missing. Over time Blue teaches him important life lessons ranging from overcoming fear, to respecting oneself, and becoming a man. In the end Damon longs to be just like Blue. Nikki Grimes' poems tell a story that are meant to be shared aloud from beginning to end. However, the poems can also stand alone and still be understood by young children beginning as early as 6 years old. In some poems the verses rhyme while others versus do not, yet they will all still provoke a plethora of emotions ranging from sadness to the trials and experiences Damon must endure at a young age, to a feeling of gratefulness that this young boy has a strong man like Blue in his life. The poems will enrich children's view of the world and many children will be able to relate to the hurdles the boy has to overcome, or to the fact that they might also have a strong role model in their life. Jerome Lagarrigue's beautiful painted illustrations will add to children's sense of imagery as they will be able to "see" Damon, Blue, and their experiences come to life.
2. Classroom/Library Connection
After Reading:
After reading the book put the focus back on the beginning poem and re-read, My Man Blue.
My Man Blue
His leathery skin's
Like indigo ink
This rugged dude
Who some folk think
Looks fierce in clothes
Of midnight black.
Then there's his teeth:
One gold, three cracked.
And I suppose
The shades could go.
He wears them night
And day, I know.
Still, underneath
This shell, Blue hides
A harmless
Gentle-giant side.
Have children brainstorm different traits about someone who is special to them in their own lives. Discuss the use of adjectives and sensory language and refer back to the poem to discuss how the author described the character of Blue. Using these skills encourage children to either write a letter to someone that is special in their own lives describing why they mean so much to them, or children can try their hand at writing their own poem about someone special in their lives using as much descriptive and sensory language possible. Have children share their letter or poems aloud if they would like.
3. Review Excerpts/Awards Won:
100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
A Booklist Editor's Choice
A Book Links Lasting Connection Book
Bank Street College Children's Book of the Year
Society of School Librarians International Honor Book
Marion Vannett Ridgway Award
ABA-CBC Children's Books Mean Business
Newsweek Best Children's Picture Books of the Year
New Yorker Christmas Round-up
Riverbank Review Children's Books of Distinction Finalist
Capitol Choice Children's Book
"Knowing,heartfelt poems...The deep-hued acrylic paintings create an ideal setting for the text. The look is lyrical." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
No comments:
Post a Comment