Words With Wings

Grimes, Nikki. 2013. Words With Wings.  Homesdale: Wordsong.  ISBN 9781590789858

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Words With Wings follows young poet and protagonist, Gabby, as she maneuvers through a divorce, moving to a new school, and meeting new friends while attempting to control her daydreaming.  Words With Wings is a verse novel targeted towards children in grades 3-8.

Quality and Appeal

Grimes manages to weave a variety of poetic devices through each poem as readers get to know Gabby.  Page by page, vivid imagery details Gabby’s daily happenings and daydreams while rhythmic rhyming creates a pattern of confidence.  The poems work together to slowly and carefully reveal more and more about Gabby but in a truly impactful and inspirational manner but still allow Gabby to sound like a child.  The adolescent voice secures interest from the targeted audience.  The poetry dances between real life experiences and her daydreams.  The font selected for the real life plane is formal and tightly collected on the page while daydreams are characterized by a more juvenile and playful font and arrangement.

Readers will also find that  Gabby is teased by others for being “weird” because she is misunderstood and different  This free verse novel will provide encouragement for children who can relate to Gabby.   Words With Wings also serves as a “call to arms” for parents and teachers.  Like Gabby’s teacher, rather than attempting to redirect quieter and introverted children, identifying an area of interest where creative energy can be harnessed creates a platform for a child’s growth.

Awards and/or Mentions

Won American Library Association’s Notable Books for Children in 2014

Honor Book – Coretta Scott King Award 2014

Spotlight Poem

Willow

There’s this one kid, David

plants himself in

the back of the room,

hair hanging over his desk

like a willow.

He talks even

less than me.

                                                                   I wonder why.                        

This poem could be used to introduce simile, metaphors and even personification.  Students can be invited to craft poetry describing themselves in an unconventional manner.

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