Genre 3: Books of Poetry Continued

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. 1999. My Man Blue. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN 0-8037-2326-1

Plot Summary

In Nikki Grimes book of poems, My Man Blue, the reader is introduced to Damon an initially cautious young boy and Blue, a man who is no stranger to tough times. They become acquainted in the neighborhood where Damon and his mother are now residing. Damon is immediately distrustful of Blue because he feels that he is a threat to the relationship he has with his mother. Damon is use to being the man of the house and having this dark, hard faced man interfere in their lives does not set well with the young boy. Damon "cirlcle, look him up and down and let Him know his grin's not winning points with me." But Damon changes his opinion of Blue when his mother assures him that "her old friend" will not present a problem in their lives. From this point on, Damon's trust in Blue grows and they take on an almost father-son relationship. Because Blue has already lost his son Zeke to the mean streets, he is determined to save Damon from the same fate by being his protector and mentor. Whether it's Blue guiding him up a tree while insisting that he won't let the boy fall or if it's a one-on-one game of basketball, Damon knows that he will always be able to count on his new friend. Blue's words of wisdom such as "Fears useless otherwise," and "Anger is a waste," makes Damon believe that he can conquer the world. From the time that he spends with Blue and the lessons he has learned about life and the streets, Damon says that he will be "Like Blue," the "one who says he cares and shows it."

Critical Analysis

Grime's ability to write and have the reader feel her emotions is evident in the poetic pieces of My Man Blue. The character's Damon and Blue are real and Damon's use of first- person point of view throughout the book evoke feelings of closeness from the reader. When Damon says "I grab her wrists til she calms down," the reader can't help but applaud and want nothing but the best for the young boy. His refusal to retaliate against the young girl who is provoking him on the playground is an excellent example of how Damon is learning to make good decisions. These collections of individually titled poems doesn't show much rhyme, but examples of alliteration are present in many lines of the poem. Blue's hands show that he has experienced much in his lifetime and the lines, "thumbs tipped with work-proud callouses," tell us just how much hard work Blue has endured. Moreover, Grimes' use of imagination to create this story in order to express some of her personal feelings is canny and proves that this is a true work of poetry.

The illustrations in the book by Jerome Lagarrigue are dark, yet true to life. The intricate details of Blue's strong face and muscular stature allow us to see the strong willed man that Damon wishes to be like. The neighborhood pictures and even more so, the clearness and vividness of the shots for "Class Bully," may bring some readers back to their days growing up. A very touching part of the poems occurs when Damon isn't taken by the taunts of the nieghborhood kids. He shows that he's a "man" by responding "if I take care of my mom so what? She takes care of me." Damon's rejoinder to being called a "Mama's boy" would make any hard working mother proud.

This is an excellent book to share with children, particularly young boys who are faced with many adversities in life. This book shows that in spite of, we don't have to be victims of our surroundings, especially when we have someone who geniunely cares in our corner.

Review Excerpts

A Booklist Editor's Choice

Marion Vannett Ridgway Award

Society of School Librarians International Honor Book

Starred review in Publisher's Weekly: "Though each of these accomplished poems could easily stand alone, together they form an enticing story."

Starred review in Booklist: "Lagarrigues strong realitic acrylic paintings show the poignant connection between the needy child and the gentle, heavily built man in the dangerous neighborhood..."

Connections

*Another book of poetry for children about hope and beating the odds is: Heard, Georgia. This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort. ISBN 0763619248

*Gather other books illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Look at how he bring to life another African American family in: Going North. ISBN 978-0-374-32681-4