Bronx Masquerade (2002)

Interesting look at bringing people together, seeing others perspectives and how similar people are
I enjoyed this as an adult and think it would be even more great for younger readers. ( )

A class of students is assigned an essay about Langston Hughes. One student writes a poem and reads it to his class. This act starts Open Mike Fridays, which is the center focus of the story. As the book progresses, we hear stories from 18 different students as they bear their hearts and feelings. This would be a great piece to incorporate in the classroom as it shows the value of vulnerability in writing. ( )

Eighteen teenagers from all walks of life use poetry to tell it like it is. In the form of a poetry slam each student in Mr. Ward's class gets an opportunity to share a piece of him or herself. Not all are eager for the spotlight, but the more students stand up and share, the more the others get to thinking this poetry thing isn't such a bad idea.
All of these students pull courage from their classmates and try it on for themselves. One by one they are pulled to the front of the classroom to stand up strong. By doing so they reveal glimpses of lives their classmates knew nothing about.
Mr. Ward's Open Mike class gains momentum when a reporter gets wind of the class and makes a visit.
Best surprise: Grimes features real life poet Pedro Pietri. ( )

Read for school last year, and it was okay. I think since we were forced to read it, it made me not want to read it. Great figurative language and crafted very well. ( )