Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade, by Nikki Grimes, is a story about an inner-city school where on teacher is striving to make a difference in a way that seems contradictory to the setting where the story takes place. The teacher, Mr. Ward, is trying to get his students to travel the path of self revelation by writing poetry, a medium in which none of his students are very well versed in. The book follows a few of Mr. Ward's Students as they go about their daily lives. Each chapter about the kids is followed by a short poem, written by a student. The book continues like this, and you can see the subtle, but powerful, change that is worked within each of Mr. Ward's students. The book is a powerful testimony to the changing power of words.

Though Bronx Masquerade was a book that deviated from the normal type of book that I was reading at the time, it still kept me entertained as I read it. I would say that I liked it, even if it was not my favorite book of all time. I think the poetry within the chapters was what threw me, but the story kept me coming back for more. By the end of the book I had come to terms with the poetry, and I was not just skipping over it. The poetry in the book is half the story, so if you think that you are going to skip over most of it, then this probably is not the book for you. The story and the poetry are well written, and the individual tones of the students gives the book a charm that is hard to find in many books about inner city life. This book portrays life in the Bronx as difficult but engaging, and the way that Nikki Grimes writes really brings out the best in each of the characters. If you are a fan of poetry, or if you can stand some poetry along with a story, then Bronx Masquerade is a good choice for a high school reader.



Also a quick question. I am going to be away at camp from June 21st to July 14th and will need some reviews for the blog. I wanted to know whether any of the readers would like to submit a review that would be published? If you are interested drop me a line on my email: alagaesia00@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Royce

The Battle of Jericho

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper is a story about a young high school student who is recruited to be in the most prestigious club on campus, the Warriors of Distinction. The book follows Jericho as he goes through the challenges of initiation week, and is forced to make a distinction between right and wrong.

The Warriors of Distinction offers fame and popularity to all of its members. However, joining the acclaimed organization comes at a high price. Pledge's are forced through a series of challenges that test their mental and physical strength. But as the tests become more harrowing, and more dangerous, Jericho is forced to find a place to draw the line. How can he choose between popularity and belonging; and righteousness and self-acceptance. Is it even possible for Jericho to make a decision that will not haunt him for the rest of his life?

Told by master storyteller Sharon Draper, The Battle of Jericho is a classic clash between ideals. As the story unfolds, one can discover truths about peer-pressure and high school popularity that allow one to see the world in a new light. I highly recommend this Corretta Scott King Award novel to high school students of all ages, hopefully it will help you shed some light on your own high school experiences.