Book Review: Bronx Masquerade
Published January 22nd, 2007 in Book ReviewsTime for another book review. Bronx Masquerade was written by Nikki Grimes. It’s a fairly recent book (published at the end of 2003) that is also very lightweight (definitely a quick, easy read).
Synopsis
Bronx Masquerade is about a class that starts to have “Open Mic Fridays” where students can read their poetry. As the book progresses, the Open Mic days become more and more popular. The story does not follow just one person’s perspective, but rather, it shows a small slice (generally 1-4 pages) of each person’s life and thoughts, followed by that person’s Open Mic contribution. The poetry varies in style. Some of it is very concrete. Some is abstracted. Some is even rap.
My Thoughts
I felt like the first two people’s stories were a bit excessive in their use of slang, which started to turn me off from the reading. Yes, the style of writing did reflect the way that some people speak, but these pieces might have been better after being introduced to some of the characters I could relate to more (though maybe the initial two characters are who the intended audience would relate to the most). Tyrone did either ease up on the language or I just became used to it, because the rest of the book didn’t bother me, and Tyrone’s thoughts are shown quite a bit. He responds to each person’s poem (in his head), which is one of the most valuable aspects to the book. It keeps a consistent character who responds to and connects with each person’s words.
The Verdict
Bronx Masquerade is a good book that helped me reconnect with the thoughts and problems of teens (very valuable to one who is (going to be) a teacher). It’s a quick, easy read (it is a Young Adult book after all) with some a mixture of poetry. If you enjoy poetry, YA books in general, or a book that you can easily read a few minutes here and there, I would definitely recommend this book. If you’re into long narrative, character depth, complex plots, etc. this book probably isn’t for you.
Most Memorable Quote
There isn’t a whole lot of dialogue, but here’s an excerpt from Devon’s Black Box poem (my favorite of the bunch):
In case I forgot to tell you,
I’m allergic to boxes:
Black boxes, shoe boxes,
New boxes, you boxes—
Even cereal boxes
Boasting champions.
i didnt really like the book, b-cuz we had 2 read it 4 english class, and as an average teen, i hate poetry, cuz im not emo
You know, I had to say, I did not like the book, but I did like the story and the poetry. We also read this in class and we finished the story yesterday, It seemed to me as if the book was sort of unfinished because we never really get to see some peoples’ problems being solved (I’m not talking about Mai Tren) but I did like the little pieces Tyrone had to say and I did like the poetry a lot. I wouldn’t read the whole book again, but I could see myself reading some of those poems again.
i liked this book and i loved the way that these kids expressed their thoughts and feelings in poetry. it was real interesting to me and i would read it again if i was asked to. this book showed me alot about life and other peoples problems and how the surrounding people handle and treat others that are different. MY NAMED IS DAVINA, AND I LOVE THE BRONX MASQUERADE, I CAN READ IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY ON THE LAST TIME AS I DID THE FIRST!!
just to let all of you know, poetry is beautifull and its a way to express your self, ITS NOT EMO. IF YOU THINK POETY IS EMO THAN YOU JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT BEING EMO IS. ☺ ♥
I think this is a cool way for studnets to be able to talk about the book. I really enjoyed the book. lthough I didnt think this would be a typical response to this type of assignment. My studnets are usully cocky and in denial about their personal issues and concerns. Especially if they have to share their writings with everyone.
Yeah, students’ willingness to be truly honest would depend on their personalities and the classroom environment. It would be tough to foster the kind of safe environment that students would need to really share what they are feeling, but that would give them the chance to see that they can relate to the other students.
I really like the book because I could understand how some of the stundents felt. All the problems in the book were typical highschool problems and I found it very intersting to see how other kids my age really identified and delt with it.
Kristin Dejuan Curtis and Gary you will not recieve credit for this post. Each of you must post your own reply and give your opinion about the book using examples from the text.
The book was great. I liked the way that the students got together and wrote poems and read them aloud to their classmates. Nikki Grimes is an author that creates stories and gives attention grabbers to all it’s readers. I’m glad i got assigned to this book.
i think this book is very profound and thought- provoking. i enjoyed reading this novel and i loved the way that poetry inspired these children to apply themselves in school more. i think this is a story that is so close to reality that it is almost tragic. Nikki showed her versitility in this book. For example, Tyrone was a lost soul with no future promised for him. when poetry was added to school he actually took his enjoyed learining. the other kids stories are so touching and true to life
I loved the book because I can really relate to it. My favorite charater was Tanisha because I feel like I can relate to her the most. The proble that all the students had really brought the book together to create a awesome story. When tyrone decided to get up in front of everyone to talk to his peers about what he has learned and what was Open Mike to him it was very inspiring
@Curtis: I’m glad you enjoyed the book. It can be nice to read something that is relatable, and I think Nikki Grimes did a good job of creating realistic characters. Reading/saying ones own words out loud as they did is hard for anyone, and especially difficult at that age.
@Juan: A lot of times that is what it takes for students: one single thing to grasp onto. For some students it’s poetry or books for others it can be science or P.E. Until we find these things in the classroom (and our greater lives in general), it can be very hard to try to apply any effort. However, once that connection is made, it’s a lot easier to work hard and take something away from the experience.
@Kristina: Those times when you can see such a major turn around (like your example with Tyrone) can be inspiring to everyone watching, but especially to the teacher. Tanisha’s character seemed to reflect some of the frustrations that we can feel when people judge us based on something arbitrary (like hair), and her poem was a good way of getting those feelings out.
this book was hella bomb! i loved it. its my new favorite.
i love how these kids got so invovled with poetry and got to show they
real self and now they ain’t gotta front no mo.