From a Child's Heart

Bibliographic Information

From a Child's Heart
poems by Nikki Grimes
Illustrations by Brenda Joysmith
Published: Just Us Books -- New Jersey -- 1992
Currently out of print
ISBN: 9780940975446
Dewey" 811
Interest level: 3rd-6th grade
Reading Level: 5.1
Classification: Nonfiction

Plot Summary

Ms. Grimes has put together a collection of poems that are in pray form dealing with struggles that children face as they are growing up. The themes range from the seriouness of a father being laid off to the humerous one about studying in order to do one's best. Ms. Joysmith has created beautiful illustrations for each poem/pray. Her children are shown in strong family settings that support the child.

Critical Analysis

This collection begins with a personal note from Ms.Grimes. She sets the mood for all of her works. Like Ms. Grimes the child that is doing the prayers is talking to God about her hopes, fears and dreams. These prayers are not just a book of wishes but rather a serious look at the feelings of a child struggling to be a success. Ms. Joysmith uses beautiful drawings to support the theme of each offering in a way that gives the poem even more visual power. One jarring moment is the drawing accompaning the poem, Big Sister Says, one child is in the background looking like they would like to be part of the group but they are not, This image is somewhat out of context with the rest of her drawings and I am left to pnder the why.The poems are written in the context of the African-American cultural tradition but the themes of loss, fear and need to fit in and be productive and universal and can be easily discussed with all children. As a teacher the poem about the book report brought a smile to my face because the child must do the work in order to be successful. God will not do a miracle but will support and be with the child as they prepare for not just the book report but life in general.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal. " Grimes has composed prayful verses to give boice to the subjects in the pastel drawings." " Brenda Joysmith paints a pretty world of healthy well-groomed children."

Connections

I am not sure how I missed this book of poems. I am always looking for poems for our yearly oratical contests at school. There are standards preformed every year but i always need some new material and this will be perfect. Even though the reading level is 5th grade my younger contestants will be able to relate to these poems and be able to recite them effectively in competition.

The themes are excellent for use by counselors when dealing with students whose parents have been laid off-Daddy's Hat is a short concise descritpion of a child's feelings in this situation. All children have face the loss of a loved one and would wish they could have lived longer and so the poem, One More Year, is an excellent way to introduce this topic.