New Releases by Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes, a bestselling author known for titles such as Dark Sons, Barak Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, and Voices of Christmas has written a gripping book from the perspective of a girl named Mister (Mary Rudine) who finds herself momentarily distracted from her faith commitment to purity by a handsome boy named Trey. After one night of weakness, Mister finds her entire life has changed, even if she can’t yet accept all the changes occurring within her are real. When the emotional scars of losing her innocence are more lasting than she imagined, Mister turns to a book of her mother’s, which contains poems from Mary’s perspective. As both Mister and Mary’s voices play out in the story, a full and meaningful portrait of Christian faith, trust, and forgiveness emerges, along with the truth that God can use even the most unplanned events in our lives for his greater glory.

"Dyamonde, a third grader, has "wild-crazy hair," is "skinnier than half a toothpick" and is more than equal to the challenge of entering the crowded field of confident grade school heroines."—New York Times Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesn''t stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. He''s grouchy - but Dyamonde''s determined to get to the bottom of his attitude and make a friend.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A collection of twenty-three poems showcase the many facets of Christmas.

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.

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 provides 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.

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 Coretta Scott King Honor Book A Booklist Editors'' Choice Book A Child Study Children''s Book Committee Children''s Book of the Year

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.

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.