Oh!

One of My Favorite Books

OH, BROTHER! by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Mike Benny

Students - Today the Poetry Friday Community celebrates Nikki Grimes. I feel fortunate to have had Nikki's books in my life, starting with delightful poetry picture book MEET DANITRA BROWN back when I was a new teacher to her most recent and highly acclaimed memoir ORDINARY HAZARDS.

OH, BROTHER! has been one of my favorite books for years, and I have mentioned it several times in this space. This poetry picture book tells the story of two boys, Chris and Xavier, whose parents marry. It takes a bit of time for them to feel like brothers - not just stepbrothers - and Nikki's wise, honest, visual poems help readers understand how trust takes time. It is difficult to read OH, BROTHER! without tearing up with both sad and beauty-loving tears.

Congatulations, Nikki, on your recent - and numerous - awards. We are grateful for your work and words.

Nikki Grimes

Photo from The Poetry Zone, Nikki's Website

Nikki's poems and books have given much to many, and you can learn more about her writing and her life all over the internet...but here are a few places to begin:

The Poetry Zone, Nikki's Website

The Library of Congress

The Poetry Foundation

No Water River

Today is the final day, Day 72, of my Keeping a Notebook notebooking series for the COVID-19 Spring of 2020. If you joined me for any of these videos, I thank you for journeying along. Should students be home from school come fall, I will think of something to offer. My hat is off to all teachers. May your summer days be restful!

Enjoy this week's Poetry Friday roundup, an everywhere-celebration of Nikki Grimes and her work, hosted by Irene at Live Your Poem. We invite everybody to join in each Friday as we share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship. Check out my left sidebar to learn where to find this poetry goodness each week of the year.

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or as part of a group with your teacher and class.

What Are You Good At?

Soup after School

Photo by Amy LV

Students - A few months ago, I had a conversation with a smart young girl. I asked her what she was good at, and she said, "I don't play soccer or dance like lots of the kids in my class do." She then told me about how she goes home after school and plays and colors and reads. This got me thinking about how sometimes people (me included) focus a lot on accomplishments and signing up for things and taking classes. I enjoy taking classes, but there is a lot of value in working for your family, a lot of value in spending time well on our own and with our elders.

Today's poem came from a conversation that taught me something. This young girl made me reflect on my own life, on how I can instill the value of work and family time in me and in our children. Our conversation also made me think about volunteering, how I would like to spend time teaching free classes for children and adults who cannot afford them but would still like to attend.

You will notice that this poem is in free verse - it does not rhyme. As I wrote, I still read the lines aloud many times to hear if the rhythms sounded good, but there is not a clear or set meter or rhyme throughout. Sometimes free verse seems to fit a serious topic well. (Did you notice that there is a wee bit of rhyme at the end - ballet and today?)

One of my favorite poem books about families is OH, BROTHER! by Nikki Grimes.

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And another favorite poem book celebrating families is FATHERS, MOTHERS, SISTERS, BROTHERS by Mary Ann Hoberman.

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Stay tuned for March Madness with Ed DeCaria at Think Kid Think.  Along with 63 others, I will participate in the March Madness Poetry Tournament!  He has a great plan, and we're just waiting for Sunday when the kickoff begins.  I encourage you to stop by and vote on the poems!

Myra is hosting today's Poetry Friday family get together over at Gathering Books. There you will find a table set with words, a home filled with friends. Enjoy!

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