52 pages • 1 hour read
Bronx Masquerade
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Bronx, New York • 2000s
2002
YA
12-18 years
HL670L
Super Short Summary
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes portrays the lives of high school students in Mr. Ward’s English class as they navigate personal challenges and form connections. The class explores Harlem Renaissance writers and holds Open Mike Fridays, where students express themselves through poems. These poems address family dynamics, identity, romantic love, social issues, and the transformative power of the arts. The book includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and drug-related death.
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
8,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes has been praised for its engaging narrative, diverse characters, and its ability to capture the complexities of teenage life through poetry. Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of personal struggles and the use of multiple perspectives. Criticisms include some characters feeling underdeveloped and a plot that can be predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read for young adults.
Who Should Read Bronx Masquerade?
A reader who would enjoy Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes is likely a teen or young adult who appreciates stories about diverse urban experiences and self-discovery. Fans of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo or Monster by Walter Dean Myers may also find this book compelling for its poignant exploration of identity and personal expression.
8,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Diondra Jordan
Diondra Jordan
Diondra is the tallest girl in school and an aspiring artist who initially hides her passion for art. Over time, she learns to embrace her artistic abilities despite familial and social pressures.
Janelle Battle
Janelle Battle
Janelle is a smart and empathetic student dealing with insecurity about her weight. She uses poetry to find confidence and connect with her classmates on deeper issues.
Lupe Algarin
Lupe Algarin
Lupe is a teenager dealing with the impact of her parents' divorce and struggles with feelings of loneliness. She reevaluates her life choices through reflections and support from her friends and eventually finds a new sense of purpose.
192
Novel • Fiction
Bronx, New York • 2000s
2002
YA
12-18 years
HL670L
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