Nikki Grimes

After reading "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes, I became very interested in finding out more about the author and her ideas in creating this piece. As I began to research her name on the internet, the first website I came across listed a lot of her works; "Bronx Masquerade" not even being mentioned. Right then, because I really enjoyed this piece, I thought how great must her other pieces be if this one wasn't even mentioned. Nikki Grimes was born and raised in New York City, where she began composing verse at the age of six and has continued her writing ever since. "She is happy to own the title Poet." Nikki Grimes has traveled the world conducting both child and adult poetry readings and lectures. She has been "crossing the borders" on all different levels; especially through "Bronx Masquerade" Nikki shows how poetry can do extraordinary things between cultures. In the 1970's, Nikki found time in her busy schedule to even coproduce and host The Kids Show on WBAI in New York; she continued her way through the radio business when she hosted a radio program in Sweden for immigrants as well. On top of her traveling she has produced many award winning books for children and young adults including the novels Bronx Masquerade, Jazmin's Notebook, and many other poetry collections. Along with her numerous book awards, Nikki Grimes was a recpipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children and was awarded the Golden Dolphin Award by the Southern California Children's Book Association.
Nikki Grimes is not only talented in the art of poetry, she has made a name for herself in other creative arts through photography, jewelry, and handmade cards. Her fiber art, beaded jewelry, and handmade cards are all made from recyclable materials. Her work has been featured in fine art fairs and bookstores and have been seen all around the nation from Utah to New York City.
Nikki Grimes is an extremely extraordinary individual who has developed herself as an author, poet, lecturer, and educator all across the nation and world. As an author of more than two dozen books for children, Nikki Grimes has a talent that can touch many lives on all different levels while connecting different cultures through the art of poetry.