Long-time readers of my blog may remember that I am one of Nikki Grimes’ many fans. In the past, I reviewed Ordinary Hazards, Between the Lines, and Words with Wings. Nikki’s poetry sings and she captures the conflicts and emotions of adolescents beautifully.
Garvey’s Choice (WordSong, 2016) is no different. Except…it is different. Each of the 100+ poems which tell Garvey’s story is written in tanka. WOW. At the back of the book Nikki mentions that she challenged herself to write a novel using this Japanese form of poetry. All I can say is that the result is lyrical, impressive, and AMAZING.
Review
From page one, readers learn that part of Garvey’s story is his problems with his dad. The sparse yet evocative language also hints at how he handles his pain.
It Figures
When I was seven
and crazy for Mr. Spock,
a Star Trek lunch box
was all I craved. Instead, Dad
bought one blaring the logo.
of some football team
I’d never even heard of
I shoved that thing in
the coal black of my closet,
then celebrated with cake. (p.1)
Garvey’s best friend is Joe with whom he shares a love for astronomy, chess, and knock-knock jokes.
One time after being dissed again by his father for not wanting to play basketball, Joe calls.
Phone Call
All evening long I
try tucking in my sadness,
but it keeps getting
snagged on my voice when I speak.
Joe catches it when he calls.
“Hey! What’s up? Joe asks.
Should I tell him? “Nothing you
haven’t heard before.
I wish my dad could see me.
That sounds crazy, huh?”
“Not really,” says Joe.
“I get it. Seriously.
But you’ve got a dad.
Mine skipped out long time ago.”
Why’d I open my big mouth?
Joe shrugs off his hurt.
“Knock, knock!” he says. “Not now, Joe.”
“Come on, man! Knock, knock.”
I give in. “Who’s there?” “Your friend,
Joe, who’s always here for you.” (p. 19)
At school, Garvey is teased for being overweight. Nikki tucks small references to Garvey finding refuge in music. Listening to his music and his dad’s music, and humming (to drown out teasing) are all part of how Garvey copes.
Along the way, Garvey learns some things about his father’s love for music and how his father used football to bring the two of them together. The musical insights and details about his father slip in and foreshadow the climax.
Morning Classes
Blue notes, sad as me,
wail their way from a classroom
I’ve never been in.
“Chorus,” says Joe when I ask.
“It’s a new club. You should join.
You’re always singing,
or at least humming out loud.”
“Yeah, but I don’t know.”
“Look,” says Joe, “your voice is choice.
You should let others hear it.” (p. 46)
Garvey makes a new friend in chorus. Manny is an albino who wants to be a chef.
Advice
…
“I was wondering
how you stand kids teasing you.”
“I’m honest,” he says.
“I’ve got albinism. Fact.
I look strange. No changing that.
Is there more to me?
Sure. Kids yell ‘albino boy.’
I don’t turn around.
Choose the name you answer to.
No one can do that but you. (p. 66)
Changes begin to happen.
When I Sing
When I sing, my heart
floats full and light, as if I’m
a balloon of song,
rising with every lyric,
reaching the edges of space. (p. 75)
Spring Thaw
Peeled myself from bed
for the morning rush to school
(Better beat the bell!)
Belted a blue-jean surprise:
loose weight by nearly one size!
Round still, but that’s fine.
Feeling good outside and in.
Maybe I’m not thin
But skinny isn’t perfect.
The perfect size is happy. (p. 99)
The climax is Nikki Grimes perfect.
The Talk
“Son, I should tell you,
I used to sing in a band,”
Dad says in the voice
he saves for secrets. I smile,
and pretend that I’m surprised.
“Really? When?” I ask.
“Oh, it was a long while back…”
That’s how it began–
the longest conversation
I’ve ever had with my dad. (p. 104)
Giveaway
Like you, I'm a huge fan of Nikki Grimes. I have Words with Wings in my classroom, and I've read so many of my books. I like that the cover has gotten a makeover. I hope it finds even more readers now!
Thanks for your comment, Theresa. Your name starts the list–twice!
Dear Carol,GARVEY'S CHOICE by Nikki Grimes seems like a great book for middle graders. Thank you, Carol, for sharing such great books with us.Have a fun day being you.Never Give UpJoan
Thanks, JOan. It is!
I would love to read and study to learn how Nikki Grimes accomplishes a whole story in this form of verse. Something I have not been able to do! Thank you for the post.
I'm happy to add your name, Terri. Check out any of her books from the library. They are ALL masterpieces!
I've known of Nikki Grimes for years, she is incredible. I'd love to read this book, and I will, one way or another! My upcoming picture book is written in 16 different poetic forms, so I'm always interested in reading books by authors who use poetry in a creative way. I will have to add this genre of poem to my list as I write my next book in different formats. Thanks for sharing, Carol!
Kathy- I want to hear about your book! Please email me cbaldwin6@me.com and tell me more about it!
Nikki Grimes is talented. I'll need to put this one on my list. Thanks for sharing.
Love. Love. Love. Nikki Grimes’ works! Garvey’s Chpice is a winner all around! Please add me (JH Librarian) Gwen.mccluney@ennis.k12.Tx.usThanks Carol!!!
Absolutely love Nikki Grimes’ work! Please add me! JH Librarian here! Gwen.mccluney@ennis.k12.Tx.us
Than you Gwen, Marci, and Kathy. Your names go in teh hat–and Gwen, yours goes in twice!
This is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read this book too. The knock-knock joke poem made me want to cry. Thank you for sharing some of the emotional work inside this book.
I love the selection of poems you shared, so heart-felt, really full of emotion. Sadly not eligible for giveaway! It sounds a great book.
writing a whole bookin haiku or tankais aspirational ~ as for me I'll stick toscribbling the story as fast as I can.
Thanks for your comments Sue, Danielle, and Valinora. And yes, Valinora. Sorry to exclude you from the giveaway. Hope you can find a copy on your side of the pond! Sue–I LOVE your poem!! First time someone has left a comment like that!!
I loved the selections you shared. The author really captures the moment with each. Thanks for sharing and Happy MMGM!
I forgot to add not to include me in the giveaway. I'll hopefully find a copy in the library, but for now my list of books to read is several pages long.
Thanks,Greg. I appreciate you stopping by.
I have enjoyed everything I've read by Nikki Grimes (on my own or to my children). Hopefully some new readers will discover her during National Poetry Month. I'm super impressed that she gave herself the new challenge to write this entire book in tanka. I'd love to read it. ziebarthsa@gmail.com
Thanks for leaving a comment, Stephanie, and welcome to my blog. Nikki is giving away some ARCs too so I have even more books to give away.
Nikki's stories are also so hauntingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing this one with us.
Like you, I'm a huge fan of Nikki Grimes. I have Words with Wings in my classroom, and I've read so many of my books. I like that the cover has gotten a makeover. I hope it finds even more readers now!
Thanks for your comment, Theresa. Your name starts the list–twice!
Dear Carol,GARVEY'S CHOICE by Nikki Grimes seems like a great book for middle graders. Thank you, Carol, for sharing such great books with us.Have a fun day being you.Never Give UpJoan
Thanks, JOan. It is!
I would love to read and study to learn how Nikki Grimes accomplishes a whole story in this form of verse. Something I have not been able to do! Thank you for the post.
I'm happy to add your name, Terri. Check out any of her books from the library. They are ALL masterpieces!
I've known of Nikki Grimes for years, she is incredible. I'd love to read this book, and I will, one way or another! My upcoming picture book is written in 16 different poetic forms, so I'm always interested in reading books by authors who use poetry in a creative way. I will have to add this genre of poem to my list as I write my next book in different formats. Thanks for sharing, Carol!
Kathy- I want to hear about your book! Please email me cbaldwin6@me.com and tell me more about it!
Nikki Grimes is talented. I'll need to put this one on my list. Thanks for sharing.
Love. Love. Love. Nikki Grimes’ works! Garvey’s Chpice is a winner all around! Please add me (JH Librarian) Gwen.mccluney@ennis.k12.Tx.usThanks Carol!!!
Absolutely love Nikki Grimes’ work! Please add me! JH Librarian here! Gwen.mccluney@ennis.k12.Tx.us
Than you Gwen, Marci, and Kathy. Your names go in teh hat–and Gwen, yours goes in twice!
This is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read this book too. The knock-knock joke poem made me want to cry. Thank you for sharing some of the emotional work inside this book.
I love the selection of poems you shared, so heart-felt, really full of emotion. Sadly not eligible for giveaway! It sounds a great book.
writing a whole bookin haiku or tankais aspirational ~ as for me I'll stick toscribbling the story as fast as I can.
Thanks for your comments Sue, Danielle, and Valinora. And yes, Valinora. Sorry to exclude you from the giveaway. Hope you can find a copy on your side of the pond! Sue–I LOVE your poem!! First time someone has left a comment like that!!
I loved the selections you shared. The author really captures the moment with each. Thanks for sharing and Happy MMGM!
I forgot to add not to include me in the giveaway. I'll hopefully find a copy in the library, but for now my list of books to read is several pages long.
Thanks,Greg. I appreciate you stopping by.
I have enjoyed everything I've read by Nikki Grimes (on my own or to my children). Hopefully some new readers will discover her during National Poetry Month. I'm super impressed that she gave herself the new challenge to write this entire book in tanka. I'd love to read it. ziebarthsa@gmail.com
Thanks for leaving a comment, Stephanie, and welcome to my blog. Nikki is giving away some ARCs too so I have even more books to give away.
Nikki's stories are also so hauntingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing this one with us.