words with wings written by nikki grimes

Grimes, Nikki. Words with Wings. Pennsylvania: WordSong, 2013. ISBN: 9781590789858

Critical Analysis:

     Words with Wings is a verse novel based around an archetype -- divorce. The author, Nikki Grimes, structures her verse novel in a manner where each poem builds on the story of the protagonist, Gaby. Gaby's parents are going through a divorce and the author describes how Gaby deals with her parents' divorce through the usage of vivid imagery. Because Nikki Grimes has based this verse novel around an archetype, it speaks directly to those who have gone through the same situations, which allows them to profoundly relate to this verse novel. What makes this verse novel so special are the emotions that are evoked through the descriptions of how Gaby copes with her parents' divorce. In the poem, "Wishful Thinking," Gaby comes to the realization that her mother sees her father in her to the point where she begins to resent Gaby and wishes that she would become more like her mother. This poem is four lines long; however, within this poem, the author is able to provide her audience with a depth that describes exactly what Gaby is going through. Not only does the author provide her audience with a relatable concept and theme, but the language used throughout her verses appeals to juveniles. She uses words and circumstances that directly relate to juveniles as they go through their school days and their typical routines at home, such as not wanting to do the dishes or having to set the table for dinner. These simple elements that Nikki Grimes incorporate within Words with Wings aid her in obtaining copious amounts of awards including the Coretta Scott King Award and the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

Spotlight Poem:

"Wishful Thinking"

I've figured it out:

Mom wants me to be

less like Dad,

more like she.

                 - Nikki Grimes

Connections:

• Build a discussion around archetypes and what exactly they are. Ask children if they can relate to typical issues that most families go through, such as divorce, and how they cope with it.
• Ask children what outlet they may use to cope with certain situations. Perhaps they are daydreams like Gaby; perhaps they write poetry or in a journal; perhaps they are in sports.