Poetry Book Review - My Man Blue

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. My Man Blue. 1999. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803723261

REVIEW
Nikki Grimes’ collection of poems begins with a poetic description of Blue, an African American adult, and the day he and Damon, a younger child, first met in Harlem. Each poem following shows the development of their friendship; a bond made over Blue’s child he “lost to the streets” and the absence of Damon’s father. Blue acts as a mentor and a friend to the boy, as Grimes writes about the many lessons and precious moments the two share, such as shooting hoops, learning to stand up to a bully, and more. Blue teaches Damon how to thrive and not fall victim to the stigma of urban life.

Many of these poems are written in free verse form while others have varying rhyming patterns. Colorful and slightly blurred illustrations complement the poems by showing various moments in Blue and Damon’s lives. The meaning of Grimes’ work is mostly concrete, however there are a few more abstract verses that would not be lost on middle-elementary or naive readers. Her use of figurative language really gives them a clear image of what Blue was like and what he meant to the young boy with words like “At times I think actually Blue’s some gold-tooth angel guarding me [Damon].” Each of these poems evokes an emotion and allows readers to view from another perspective different life circumstances, some being very tough or seemingly more mature, or learn to appreciate the challenges that people face. However Grimes does this in a more encouraging, and occasionally solemn but peaceful manner. Readers just may find themselves identifying their own “Blue” present in their lives.

SELECTION
Like Blue
By Nikki Grimes

One day
I’ll be like Blue
Not fierce
In black leather
Or built like
A heavyweight
Boxing machine
But like that
Other Blue I’ve seen
The one who
Says he cares
And shows it
The one who
Flashes gold
Every time he smiles


AWARDS AND REVIEW EXERPTS
Booklist Editor's Choice
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A great picture book for older readers.”
Newsweek Best Children's Picture Books of the Year
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Though each of these accomplished poems could easily stand alone, together they form an enticing story arc.”

CONNECTIONS:
* After reading one or more of these poems aloud, discuss with students the ways that Blue sets a good example for Damon.
* Have students write a poem about someone in their life that makes a difference in the same way Blue impacts Damon’s life.
* Teachers may use several of these poems individually to teach students about challenges children may encounter and then facilitate a discussion on the best ways to handle these situations. Many of these poems have a healing quality to them.