New Releases by Nikki Grimes

Things can be much more than things. Why do we love the things that we do? The old guitar, the champagne flutes, the miniature model car—and what happens when those objects change hands? In the buying and the selling of things, objects once loved but perhaps discarded or forgotten, we find a treasure trove of untold stories. . . stories of pain, joy, hope, dreams, disappointment. What new purposes might unfold when these objects move from old owners to new? What spiritual, unseen things happen in that ordinary human transaction? Can love be passed on through pre-owned possessions? New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes invites us to discover what her grandmother taught her—how there is value in the old and used, and how things are much more than things—they are stories of our humanity. Wise, thoughtful, and unsparingly candid, this unique and moving collection of stories-as-verse helps us on our journeys of letting go, rediscovering purpose, and experiencing redemption and renewal for the worn out and broken places in our hearts. Step in, look around, have a listen, and be twice blessed.

Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors. When Dante struggles with nightmares, his mother believes learning his family’s history will help him cope. The roots on both sides of his family tree run deep, with stories of survival through events Dante’s mother calls “daymares.” Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths—but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night. Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpower—while also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique. Everyone knows that superheroes are supposed to have awesome powers like strength or invisibility or flight. But what happens when you’re a mostly regular kid . . . who’s just a little bit super? In these hilarious and thought-provoking stories from today’s top middle grade authors, a group of kids are each coping with a recently discovered minor superpower. One can shape-shift—but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell when an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of animals in the pet store—which can be about as heart-tugging as you might imagine. It’s hard enough to be in middle school even without some weird ability, but these kids not only find their way to owning their unique powers and potential, they use them to change things for the better . . . and getting there with them is half the fun! These playful tales prompt readers to consider what their own superpower might be, and how they can use it. "Award-winning contributors keep delightfully inclusive and accomplished company in this emotionally grounded, compassionate collection. . . . These are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique." —ALA Booklist (starred review) Written by Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Leah Henderson, Jarrett Krosoczka, Remy Lai, Kyle Lukoff, Meg Medina, Daniel Nayeri, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Gary D. Schmidt, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi; coedited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt.

An awe-inspiring Christmas tale from multi-award-winning poet Nikki Grimes. The caravan traveled through wilderness, uphill and down, for hours that spun into days. Then at last, glittering diamond-bright, Bethlehem appeared through the haze. With glittering poetry and stunning watercolor artwork, Lullaby for the King ushers readers into the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Animals from across the ancient Palestinian landscape lumber, gambol, crawl, fly, and parade toward Bethlehem with gifts worthy of the newborn King. Rare ebony wood, a finely tuned harp, mustard and saffron, a zither, apricot cakes, and other treasures are carried to the manger. The animals bow low and join the music of the angels in a welcoming lullaby. New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Michelle Carlos bring together a captivating tale of awe, wonder, and imagination that is sure to become a holiday classic.

A beloved and very sleepy little boy resists his mother''s efforts to put him to bed.

Dyamonde knows it''s what''s on the inside that counts! Dyamonde loves eating her mom''s pancakes. Free loves eating . . . period. But lately Damaris just pushes her food around her plate, and Dyamonde suspects it has something to do with the mean things classmates have been saying about people''s weight. Damaris wonders if they might be talking about her too. Dyamonde knows that Damaris doesn''t have a weight problem and is perfect just the way she is--so now it''s time for her to make sure Damaris knows that, too. In this fourth installment of the award-winning series, Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes''s lovable Dyamonde Daniel is back, with a timely message about self-acceptance and healthy eating habits--delivered with her trademark spunk.

The third book in the Dyamonde Daniels series, by bestselling author Nikki Grimes, is perfect for fans of the Keena Ford, Judy Moody, and Magnificent Mya Tibbs series and includes illustrations by Coretta Scott King honor winner R. Gregory Christie. Dyamonde really wants red high-top sneakers. Too bad they''re so expensive! A classmate tells her it''s her mom''s job to give her what she needs, but when Dyamonde tries that argument, her mom teaches her a lesson by literally only giving her what she needs. Now Dyamonde is down to almost zero outfits! But then she finds out one of her friends has it much worse, and she''s determined to do what she can to help.

The second book in the Dyamonde Daniels series, by bestselling author Nikki Grimes, is great for fans of the Keena Ford, Judy Moody, and Magnificent Mya Tibbs series and includes illustrations by Coretta Scott King honor winner R. Gregory Christie. Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library''s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is one hundred dollars, and just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change.

"In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance -- including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era -- by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking. This special book also includes original artwork in full-color from some of today''s most exciting African American illustrators, who have created pieces of art based on Nikki''s original poems. Featuring art by: Cozbi A. Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ebony Glenn, Nikki Grimes, E.B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Christopher Myers, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon. A foreword, an introduction to the history of the Harlem Renaissance, author''s note, poet biographies, and index makes this not only a book to cherish, but a wonderful resource and reference as well"--

This emotionally resonant novel in verse by award-winning author Nikki Grimes celebrates choosing to be true to yourself. Garvey''s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey''s life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself, and a way to finally reach his distant father—by speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports.

Nikki Grimes offers a glimpse into the inspiring lives of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, with breathtaking illustrations by Michele Wood! What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create CHASING FREEDOM, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century''s most powerful, and inspiring, American women.With breathtaking illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood, CHASING FREEDOM richly imagines the experiences of Tubman and Anthony, set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Women''s Suffrage Movement.Additional back matter invites curious young readers to further explore this period in history--and the larger-than-life figures who lived it.

This series of 20 short poems by Nikki Grimes chronicle the relationship between a ten-year-old girl and her grandmother. As the book progresses, we come to recognize how alike these two strong-minded, outspoken characters are, and how much they love each other. Booklist Starred Review.

In this Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, Children''s Literature Legacy Award-winner Nikki Grimes explores though her celebrated poetry how a supportive teacher can be the key to unlocking a dreamer''s imaginative power through creative writing. Gabby''s world is filled with daydreams. However, what began as an escape from her parents'' arguments has now taken over her life. But with the help of a new teacher, ''Gabby the dreamer'' might just become ''Gabby the writer'' and the words that once carried her away might allow her to soar. Written in vivid, accessible poems, this remarkable verse novel is a celebration of imagination, of friendship, of one girl''s indomitable spirit, and of a teacher''s ability to reach out and change a life. Coretta Scott King Author Honor book NCTE Notable Children''s Books in the English Language Arts Kirkus Reviews Best Book

Gabriel “paced the halls of heaven” as he memorized God’s message to Mary. He wondered what she would say. The Christmas story unfolds, as never before, through the voices of those who witnessed the Messiah’s birth. Listen to Joseph’s struggle. Rejoice with Elizabeth and Zachariah. Worship with the magi. Hear the fear in Herod’s voice. Receive the blessing of Simeon and Anna. And, like the shepherds, shout for joy!

Just in time for the 2012 election, a book & CD edition of the #1 New York Times bestselling picture-book biography of the 44th President! Nikki Grimes’s lyrical text and Bryan Collier''s distinctive collages tell the inspirational story of President Barack Obama. Raised in Jakarta and Hawaii, Obama’s election as President represented a watershed moment in our nation''s history. Like JFK and Martin Luther King, Obama is a link in the long chain of people who have fought so that this country fulfills the promises upon which it was founded. Just as the baton has been passed to Obama from previous leaders, Obama is a role model for the young people who will one day assume the mantle of leadership, and this book will celebrate and inspire them. This #1 New York Times bestselling book is available for the first time as a book & CD, read by author Nikki Grimes.

We are thrilled to welcome Coretta Scott King Honoree Nikki Grimes to the Bloomsbury list with this coming-of-age novel told in verse.

Poems about being thankful.

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.

While studying the Harlem Renaissance, students at a Bronx high school read aloud poems they''ve written, revealing their innermost thoughts and fears to their formerly clueless classmates.

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.

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

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 CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR BOOK Jazmin Shelby was "born with clenched fists"-which is okay, since she''s got a lot of fighting ahead of her. Her dad died a couple of years back, and now that her mom''s in the hospital, it''s just her and her big sister, CeCe. But that''s fine by Jazmin. She''s got her friends, her school, lots of big plans for the future-and a zest for life and laughter that''s impossible to resist. A Booklist Editors'' Choice Book A Child Study Children''s Book Committee Children''s Book of the Year

Twenty-eight poems celebrate family, culture, writing, and the spirit of a creative child.

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

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.