New Releases by Nikki Grimes

Alternating poems compare and contrast the conflicted feelings of Ishmael, son of the Biblical patriarch Abraham, and Sam, a teenager in New York City, as they try to come to terms with being abandoned by their fathers and with the love they feel for their younger stepbrothers.

Nikki Grimes''s lyrical text and Bryan Collier''s distinctive collages tell the inspirational story of Barack Obama. Raised in Jakarta and Hawaii, Obama has become a force for social change. Like JFK and Martin Luther King, Obama is a link in the long chain of people who have fought so that the United States fulfils the promises upon which it was founded. Just as the baton has been passed to Obama from previous leaders, Obama is already a role model for the young people who will one day assume the mantle of leadership.

A Coretta Scott King Honor Book Paris has just moved in with the Lincoln family, and she isn''t thrilled to be in yet another foster home. She has a tough time trusting people, and she misses her brother, who''s been sent to a boys'' home. Over time, the Lincolns grow on Paris. But no matter how hard she tries to fit in, she can''t ignore the feeling that she never will, especially in a town that''s mostly white while she is half black. It isn''t long before Paris has a big decision to make about where she truly belongs.

Illustrations and text welcome a new baby to some of life''s delights, from "the glistening mystery of soap bubbles" to "the swish of leaves in the breeze."

It''s bad enough that Xavier''s new stepbrother, Chris, has moved into Xavier''s room, but now it looks like he''s also trying to steal Mami by being the perfect kid. Chris''s "Mr. Perfect" act may fool grown-ups, but Xavier can see straight through it. He promises himself that he''ll never become real brothers with such a fake. No brothers allowed! Ever! . . . right? In twenty powerful poems, two strangers learn to become brothers. Nikki Grimes captures the struggles—and eventual sweetness—of bringing together a family.

"When Gorilla goes walking, the neighbours laugh and stare at her tailless rump and her very proud air." Experience Cecilia and Gorilla''s unique relationship through Nikki Grimes''s lyrical poetry and Shane Evans''s vibrant artwork. Readers will fall in love with Gorilla and wish they could bring her home with them!

Poems about being thankful.

They may be best friends, but Zuri Jackson and Danitra Brown respond very differently to the start of school. For Zuri, there are so many things to ponder -- a new teacher who replaced the old one she liked so much, passing math, and worrying about her mother''s health. But for Danitra, the only real deal is being true to herself, having fun, and supporting Zuri in any way she can. Multiple Coretta Scott King award winners Nikki Grimes and E. B. Lewis have poured their best into Danitra Brown, Class Clown. This third book starring Zuri and Danitra speaks to everyone who has faced the trials of a new school year.

A combination of poetry and woodcut illustrations invites readers to explore the events surrounding the first Easter.

Jerilyn and Jesse have lost their beloved older brother. But each of them deals with Jaron''s death differently. Jerilyn tries to keep it in and hold it together; Jesse acts out. But after a year of anger, pain, and guilt, they come to understand that it''s time to move on. It''s time for a new family picture-with one piece missing, yet whole again. Through the alternating voices of a brother and sister, Nikki Grimes eloquently portrays the grieving process in this gem of a book that is honest, powerful, and ultimately hopeful. Nikki Grimes is the distinguished author of more than two-dozen children''s books. She received the 2003 Coretta Scott King Award for her novel Bronx Masquerade and a 2003 Coretta Scott King Honor citation for Talkin'' About Bessie. Many of her books have been cited as Notable Books by the American Library Association, including Come Sunday, a picture book in verse; Something on My Mind; and Meet Danitra Brown, which also won a Coretta Scott King Honor. She lives in southern California.

A boy enjoys every moment of a special day with his father, as they play in the park, share french fries, and see a movie together. Includes activity ideas for parents and children.

Illustrations by Ed Young complement essays and poems by Nikki Grimes that reflect Grimes'' experiences when she visited China in 1988 as part of an art advocacy group.

Here''s Nikki Grimes''s clever alphabet rhyme as a guide to a big city. From the ice-skating rink to the opera, C is for City is alive with activity. Pat Cummings''s vivid illustrations are filled with alphabetical items for which to search. An answer key is provided in the back.

Recounts, in a series of poems and letters, Danitra''s summer at her aunt''s house in the country and her best friend Zuri''s summer at home in town.

In this collection of poems, a child expresses love and affection for Daddy and reflects on the many times Daddy talks to God.

Poems and haiku verses provide glimpses of life in the city.

Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman lived during an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, but she didn''t let that stop her. Although she was only 11 when the Wright brothers took their historic flight, she vowed to become the first African-American female pilot. Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination. Full-color illustrations.

A Coretta Scott King Award-winning poet presents 23 poems that display the many facets of Christmastime from an African-American perspective. From neighborhood kids who need only an icy patch and trash can lid, to a carol-filled Christmas Eve service, Grimes revels in the sights, sounds, and feelings that make the season so special. Full-color illustrations.

Her name is Jazmin, and like the music of her name, her life throbs and swings?a few flat notes to be sure, but also bursting with rich passages that rise and soar. Sitting on her stoop she fills her notebook with laughs, anger, and hope. There?s the risky lure of ?luscious-looking? men and the consequences of free haircuts. This is a fourteen-year-old so-real girl living in Harlem in the 1960?s, ?born with clenched fists? and big dreams, and strengthened by the love of a steadfast sister. Captured within pages of her tough, exuberant life are all the beauty, chaos, confusion, and clarity that accompany the excitement of exploring life?s possibilities?and discovering they are endless.

Thirteen interrelated poems and as many radiant illustrations create not only a celebration of the ancient art of weaving but a joyful exploration of how love and hard work can mesh separate threads--or separate people--into a harmonious whole.

A collection of poems describes a young boy''s life with his working mother as he establishes his own identity and develops a close relationship with his mother''s friend, Blue.

A collection of more than twenty poems speaking of different kinds of love.

A collection of poems about an African-American girl growing up in New York.

A collection of poems about children growing up, illustrated with photographs of African American children.

Tisa hates Mondays because that''s when she gets her long, thick, wild hair combed and braided, so she hides. But once Tisa''s hair is done, she loves it so much that her mother can hardly tear her away from the mirror! Full color. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

A little girl describes a typical Sunday from the moment her mother wakes her up through the different elements of the worship service in church.

The award-winning author of From a Child''s Heart retells the story of Mary, using everyday, down-to-earth language based on the Scriptural events. Through Nikki Grimes''s vibrant narrative--presented in a stunning, two-color format--Mary''s life is made startlingly fresh, deeply human, and inspiring.

Thirteen poem-prayers the author might have prayed as a child, expressing the hopes, fears, longings and ordinary, everyday concerns touching a child''s life.

Cinderella manages to get to the prince''s ball with the help of her fairy godmother and to inspire the prince''s undying love.