Display: Nikki Grimes

 

Garvey in the Dark
By Nikki Grimes
New York: Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2022. Fiction. 170 pages.

Capturing the shock and reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic through poetry, as Garvey's life goes into lockdown and his father becomes sick, Garvey must find a way to use his newfound musical skills to bring hope to both his father and himself. --Editor

A Walk in the Woods
Written by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Brian and Jerry Pinkney
New York : Holiday House, 2023. Picture Book.

A grieving son follows a treasure map his late father left him through the woods they used to explore together. --Editor

Garvey's Choice
By Nikki Grimes
Honesdale, PA: Wordsong, an imprint of Highlights, 2016. Fiction. 108 pages.

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. --Publisher

Words With Wings
By Nikkie Grimes
New York: WordSong, 2013. Fiction. 96 pages. 

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. -- Editor

One Last Word
Written by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Cozbi A. Crabrera 
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2017. Informational. 120 pages.

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. -- Publisher

A Cup of Quiet
Written by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2025. Picture Book. 

When the squeal of tires and thrum of Grandpa's hammer fill the air, Grandma gets thirsty for a cup of quiet. By slowing down and appreciating the gentler sounds of nature, Grandma and her granddaughter step away from the hubbub of daily life and refresh. Their time together made more special by sharing a cup of quiet. -- Editor

Planet Middle School
By Nikki Grimes
Bloomsbury USA Children's, 2018. Fiction. 160 pages. 

For twelve years, Joylin Johnson's life has been just fine. A game of basketball with the boys-especially her friend Jake-was all it took to put a smile on her face. Baggy jeans, T-shirt, and hair in a ponytail were easy choices. Then, everything suddenly seemed to change all at once. Her best girl friend is now flirting with her best guy friend. Her clothes seem all wrong. Jake is acting weird, and basketball isn't the same. And worst of all, there is this guy, Santiago, who appears from . . . where? What lengths will Joy go to--and who will she become--to attract his attention? -- Editor