Grimes shares her poetry in a variety of styles and poems by authors of the Harlem Renaissance who inspire her. Art by many artists illustrators for each poem

This anthology has a lot to teach us about poetry. Whether it is biographies of great poets of the past, the influence of the Harlem Renaissance, or how poetry has form and meter - this anthology by Nikki Grimes covers it all. Not to mention all of the artistic elements and illustrations highlighting the talents of many artists as well. I enjoy how the illustrations add to the words of the poems and enhance the meaning. I also appreciate the poet and artist biographies that are at the end of the book. This book should be used more often in classrooms. ( )

I was first introduced to this book through another author. Helen Frost writes books in verse. One of my students asked how in her book "Hidden" she had written an extra message at the end of each line. I asked her and she told me it was through Nikki Grimes and her Golden Shovel Poems that she had copied this method. She told me I needed to purchase this book, so I did. This is perfect since my students must create a book of their own original poems each year. One of my requirements is that they must write at least one Golden Shovel Poem. Through her book and the wonderful illustrations we learn about a time in history most students of any color know little about, "The Harlem Renaissance". When she talks about that time int he front of her book we learn that this was a time where art was used to tell what life was like for black through their own perspective. This isn't a book just for the blacks. This is a book for all races as we all face some of the same obstacles. Through her poetry we learn so much. We also see how some of what we hoped we would leave behind is still with us today. This is such a wonderful book for so many reason and should be in every classroom. ( )

this poetry book is written about the ages and events of the Harlem Renaissance and how at the time there was very little racial equality. During this historical event, African American artists, writers, and musicians made works of art in relation to their culture. each poem is filled with similar works of literature written by artists during this time. not only does it feature works of literature, but works of art as well. The author Nikki Grimes uses the famous "golden shovel method" which takes the first word of each line and uses that same word at the end of the line. It is very beneficial to teach historical moments and events such as the Harlem Renaissance, not only in the history class, but also in literature, because it can go more in-depth about how life was lived back then and in that time and the culture is more described. ( )