Module 2- NCTE Winner (My Man Blue By Nikki Grimes)

My Man Blue

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

Poems by: Nikki Grimes, Illustrations by Jerome Lagarrigue

I had never read anything by Nikki Grimes before reading ‘My Man Blue’. I am absolutely in love with her poetry. She has such a strong conviction in her words. I feel as though she is telling me a story. Her collection of poems tells a story of a man or a “gold toothed angel” who is a friend to a young boy, Damon. It is evident that Damon is in need of a father figure and Blue is the perfect fit. I really enjoyed the progression of these poems and the story that they tell. In a lot of the books of poetry I’ve read, they are more like a collection, not a narrative. I REALLY enjoy this!

Lagarrigue did a magnificent job with the illustrations in this book. The poems sit on a page of solid color that seems textured by brush strokes. Each poem has an accompanying illustration that sits opposite of it. These illustrations also have interesting color combinations, using very bold and dramatic colors- lots of green, navy, and deep orange. The pictures show the textures of a brush and the canvas they were painted on. The pictures are very captivating and help keep the reader interested in the poetry!

I love the lessons this book teaches about love for you family and how to treat other people. Just exposing children to these poems does a lot on its own. However, this book hits a very personal cord—it talks a lot about family and the special times a boy and his mentor have. I think having students create a journal entry about a time when they remember having a special experience with their mom, dad, or guardian. If students felt comfortable, they could share their experiences. I want them to feel a personal connection to the text—I think this will be easy for children after reading this book.

Example Poem:

Class Bully

            A Bully

kicks me in the knee

That bully’s name

is Tiffany.

            I fume

but don’t return the blow.

Guys don’t hit girls

Blue says, and so

            I grab

her wrists ‘till she

calms down, while

            Laughing

jeering kids stand ‘round

and shout “You wimp!” But

they’re all wrong.

            It’s guys

who don’t hit girls

            Who’re strong.

(The illustrations shows Damon on the playground, and a girl smiling at him. There are other children standing around watching… most are continuing to play.)