Hopscotch Love by Nikki Grimes

1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE. by Melodye Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN 0688156673.

2. Plot Summary
This book is a collection of poems about love and their different forms: puppy love, romantic love, neighborly love, and love between family members.

3. Critical Analysis
The poems in this book illustrate love from an African-American point-of-view. In this book, the reader will see many aspects of love like heartbreak ("Hopscotch Love"), infatuation ("Sweet Tooth" and "Why I Hate Jamel"), compassion ("Uncle Willis"), and kindness ("Mr. Lester). The language in this book is very easy and understandable for its targeted audience--preteens (6th grade and up). This book of poems does not seem to possess any intellectual or educational value, but it does harbor much emotional value. Its tone and colorful illustrations make it a good book for those wanting to read it for recreation or to give to someone as a gift.

4. Review Excerpt
School Library Journal- "This small treasury will lift readers' spirits and touch their hearts."

5. Connections
After reading these poems, young readers (grades 6 and up) may be encouraged to write similar poems about their own feelings regarding different types of love.


Other great works written by Nikki Grimes include:

• Grimes, Nikki. BRONX MASQUERADE. ISBN 0756929326.
• Grimes, Nikki. GIRL NAMED MISTER, A. ISBN 0310723132.
• Grimes, Nikki. JAZMIN'S NOTEBOOK. ISBN 0141307021.