Nikki Grimes

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Nikki Grimes does not consider herself a bona fide storyteller, but, as she told an audience at the Library of Congress, she is happy to own the title Poet. Born and raised in New York City, Nikki began composing verse at the age of six and has been writing ever since.

A prolific artist, she is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, including the novels Bronx Masquerade (Dial), winner of the 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Jazmin's Notebook (Dial), a Coretta Scott King honor book and Bank Street College Book of the Year.

An accomplished and widely anthologized poet of both children's and adult verse, Grimes has conducted poetry readings and lectures at international schools in Russia, China, Sweden and Tanzania, while short-term mission projects have taken her to such trouble spots as Haiti.

During the 1970s, Nikki coproduced and hosted The Kid's Show on WBAI FM in New York. Later, during a six-year stint in Sweden, she hosted their radio program for immigrants, Grunslöst, and another for Swedish Educational Radio.

In 2005, Ms. Grimes was awarded the Golden Dolphin Award by the Southern California Children's Book Association, recognizing her body of work.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
illustrated by Bryan Collier
Simon & Schuster, 2008
ISBN 978-1-4169-7144-3

Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.

This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.

Oh, Brother!

Oh, Brother!
illustrated by Mike Benny
Amistad, 2007
ISBN 978-0688172947

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' "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

When Gorilla Goes Walking
Orchard Books, 2007
ISBN 978-0-439-31770-2

"When Gorilla goes walking, the neighbors laugh and stare at her tailless rump and her very proud air." Gorilla is an affectionate, jealous, lovable cat who constantly wants to play with Cecilia. Experience their unique relationship through Nikki Grimes' lyrical poetry and Shane Evans' vibrant art work. Readers will fall in love with Gorilla and wish they could bring her home with them!

Awards
Bank Street Best Books for Children

Welcome, Precious

Welcome, Precious
Orchard Books, 2006
ISBN 978-0-439-55702-3

"Welcome, Precious. Welcome to the warm circle of your daddy's arms, the slippery kisses of your giddy grandmother, and the cool tickle of Mommy's nose rubbing against your belly button." Lulling, poetic text and captivating illustrations welcome a new baby to the wonders of the world, from peanut butter to moonlight. A perfect gift for expecting parents, big brothers- and sisters-to-be, or anyone who wishes to remember life's first magical moments.

The Road to Paris

The Road to Paris
Putnam Juvenile, 2006
ISBN 978-0-399-24537-4
Recorded Books audiocassettes: ISBN 978-1428163126

Finding a place to call home can be tough. Paris Richmond finds that out in The Road to Paris. It's bad enough that she's bounced from one bad foster home to another. But this last time 'round, she was separated from her brother Malcolm—her best friend in the world. What's the new home like? How does Paris manage to survive without having her big brother to look out for her? There's only one way to find out.

Teaching guide available.

Awards
Starred review in Booklist; 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing; 2006 Booklist Editors' Choice; Sasquatch Reading Award List, sponsored by the Washington Library Media Association

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