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chefd's review against another edition
5.0
I now understand why this won the Corretta Scott King Award. Powerful, moving and uplifting at the same time with poetry thrown in the mix. Loved it.
literaryk's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read once I got the hang of the characters. Following the stories of everyone in the class, we get glimpes of each student's life, thoughts, and dreams.
Their poems reflected teenage angst quite well. I still wanted more from this book though, more development I think. Some of the writing and storylines felt a little cringe-y and outdated too.
Overall, not bad
Their poems reflected teenage angst quite well. I still wanted more from this book though, more development I think. Some of the writing and storylines felt a little cringe-y and outdated too.
Overall, not bad
arielml's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book was awesome. I read it really quickly because I found it engaging and easy to get into. The only skepticism I have is whether this is how kids in the Bronx would really talk, write, and think, or whether it's just an idealized version of how we hope it would be. These kids are deep, and they are able to distill their personal challenges into powerful life lessons (eloquently phrased, too). I don't remember being like that as a teenager, but maybe some teenagers are more mature than I was ... and write better poetry.
rlafleur85's review against another edition
4.0
A great vehicle to read and discuss poetry and literary elements.
smarquardt9's review against another edition
LOVED it! Reading it with my students right now.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
3.0
An exploration of different character voices and writing styles. The story of how an English class slowly connects through writing and reading aloud their own poetry. Each chapter switches from character to character only to be followed by their poem of the week. The characters interact with each other and tell their reactions, showing the growing connection between the classmates and their personalities. Deals with unique and interesting issues as the story moves forward. Issues of body image, teen pregnancy, abuse, racial identity, and others emerge. A strong account of community and identity.
earlybirdie94's review against another edition
4.0
A little cheesy, but I liked the message and don’t think we have enough of it going around these days in YA (book was first published in 2003) as it seems a lot of YA books are wanting to put people down and box people in… well boxes.
The characters had separate struggles, and while I do wish they were a bit longer the author makes her point with them in their poems and small backgrounds.
If you like books written in verse (some of it) you’ll like this.
The characters had separate struggles, and while I do wish they were a bit longer the author makes her point with them in their poems and small backgrounds.
If you like books written in verse (some of it) you’ll like this.
dawn_dickerson's review against another edition
Another free summer download from AudioSync. A story about high school kids in the Bronx that "find themselves" through poetry. Their teacher starts open mic Fridays where students can read poetry.
Sweet story of teens coming to figure out life through poetry. I didn't fully connect with the story, but I enjoyed it well enough.
Sweet story of teens coming to figure out life through poetry. I didn't fully connect with the story, but I enjoyed it well enough.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I read this one in advance of Grimes' companion title BETWEEN THE LINES (Feb 2018) and am SO happy I did! It is a YA mix of accessible prose and fabulous verse that should be in every high school library if it isn't already. Themes of identity, family, race, and life in the Bronx are covered expertly.
The new cover is a must-buy - all libraries and classrooms should replace their copies ASAP.
The new cover is a must-buy - all libraries and classrooms should replace their copies ASAP.
spacebras's review against another edition
4.0
You can read my write-up for Nebraska Library Commission here: http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2022/04/26/book-club-spotlight-bronx-masquerade/