One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance
by Nikki Grimes
February, a celebration of the rich culture and contributions of African Americans, always seems to pass quickly. There isn't time in a mere twenty eight days to read, share, discuss, and appreciate the excellent literary work, artistic contributions, and powerful social impact of African Americans.
 | Women's History Month in March honors the contributions of women to our shared past and present. One Last Word by Nikki Grimes provides an opportunity to segue from one month to another. This brilliant little gem includes selections of poetry from Harlem Renaissance authors such as Countee Cullen, William Waring Cuney, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Clara Ann Thompson, and Jean Toomer. They are woven together with Nikki Grimes exquisite verse. The concept is intriguing, the poetry poignant, and the art glorious. Back matter includes individual biographies of the featured poets and artists, sources and an index. An excellent addition to youth collections in public and school libraries as well as home and classroom libraries. |
Grimes employs the Golden Shovel, a fresh and challenging form of poetry. A short stanza from an existing poem is used to create a new poem. For example, using the first line of Jean Toomer's Storm Ending, a new poem is created by placing each word as the last line for a potential poem. Grimes then proceeds to build each line of verse, ending with the line with the borrowed word. A fascinating approach to creating the poem Truth.
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 Nikki Grimes |  James E. Ransome |
Poems are illustrated by contemporary artists 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 G. Qualls, James E. Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon.
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