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Searching... Stillwater Public Library | E 232.96 GRI EASTER | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
I angle for
a glimpse of him
whose touch unlocks
a blind man's sight,
a deaf man's hearing. A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilate's wife fears her husband's decision. Beginning with Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it.
The author's introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and David Frampton's beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts illuminate each poem. At Jerusalem's Gate offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history.
Author Notes
Nikki Grimes was born and raised in New York City. She began writing poetry at age six and is well-known for writing award-winning books primarily for children and young adults. Bronx Masquerade and Talkin' About Bessie both won Coretta Scott King Awards, and her poetry collections featuring Danitra Brown are very popular. Grimes received the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children in 2006.
She has written articles for magazines including Essence and Today's Christian Woman, as well as hosted radio programs in New York and Sweden. She has lectured and read her poetry at schools in Russia, China, Sweden, and Tanzania. Grimes is also a prolific artist, creating works of fiber art, beaded jewelry, peyote beading, handmade cards, and photography.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-Twenty-two free-form poems tell the story of the first Easter, beginning with the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through the voices of those who witnessed it. Each poem is preceded by a brief synopsis of the event, often accompanied by the author's own musings and queries, which prompt readers to think and ask questions of their own. References at the end cite the biblical passages upon which each poem is based, as well as descriptive notes. Bold, handsome woodcuts reinforce the powerful drama depicted in poetry. An outstanding effort worthy of inclusion in most collections.-Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Spring Easter titles explore the sorrowful origins of the holiday, as well as its more celebratory aspects. In the poet Nikki Grimes's opening author's note for her extraordinary collection At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter, with woodcuts by David Frampton, she points out that "there are as many questions in the Easter story as there are answers." Her statement sets the stage for a respectful treatment of how Jesus came to be arrested ("This troublemaker/ rabble-rouse,/ thinks he will/ disturb the order/ by displays of/ healing power") in "A Conspiracy of Priests"; and covers the central liturgy in "The Passover" ("I soon will be betrayed/ by one of you," says Jesus"). Frampton's elegant woodcut to illustrate the treatment of Christ ("Call it what you will-/ lash, scourge, whip") shows a dove flying through curling barbed branches. These images in words and pictures will keep readers thinking about the book-and the Passion-long after the covers are closed. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
The twenty-two poems in this collection tell the story of Easter beginning with Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. The poems, and Grimes's introductions to each poem, are intended to spark questions. Did Judas have a choice or was he predestined to betray Jesus? The dramatic woodcuts and large size of the book match the tone of Grimes's thoughtful, respectful poetry. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Through beautiful, lucid free verse, Nikki Grimes explores some of the ambiguous, enigmatic events and circumstances leading up to the central theme behind the annual Easter observance. Twenty-two poems introduced by a brief explanatory paragraph portray the story through the imagined eyes of the principals involved. Details of the Last Supper, Pilate's wife's role, the religious council tribunal, Mary's grief, the darkening of the sky at the time of the crucifixion and the site of the ascension are all included. Questions raised in each piece encourage discussion of multiple interpretations, as in the poem titled "What's in a Name?," which refers to Judas's role as one of betrayer and the subsequent altered implication to his name. Poetry is gentle yet thoughtful, alluding to the brutality of the execution while providing an almost prayer-like personal reflection. Multi-colored woodcuts suggest the emotion and mood of each scene in a parody of stained glass. A handsome, well-designed offering for middle readers and families. (Poetry. 10+) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. In this series of simple, straightforward poems preceded by explanatory paragraphs, Grimes retells the Easter story from Jesus' triumphant arrival at Jerusalem's Gate to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Grimes' clever wordplay (e.g., the scourging of Jesus is the pastime of the Passion ) will hold readers' attention, and her poems ask some important theological questions--whether, for example, Judas was a villain or just part of God's plan to save humanity. Frampton's woodcuts, which recall Byzantine artwork, especially in the wide-eyed, angular faces, are extraordinarily compelling. The bold colors and thoughtful, intricate patterning demand a second look. Some readers (and parents) may find Grimes' focus on Jesus' suffering and execution (only the last two poems speak of the Resurrection) to be more Poems of Good Friday than Poems of Easter, and Grimes' literalist interpretation of biblical events won't appeal to some Christians. But for those who take their Gospels as gospel truth, this is an arresting rendition of the greatest, and saddest, story ever told. --John Green Copyright 2005 Booklist
