Garvey in the Dark
Nikki Grimes, Author
Wordsong, Novel in Verse, Oct. 25, 2022
Suitable for ages: 8-12
Themes: Pandemic, Uncertainty, Fear, Isolation, Poetry, Family, Friends
Nikki Grimes, Author
Wordsong, Novel in Verse, Oct. 25, 2022
Suitable for ages: 8-12
Themes: Pandemic, Uncertainty, Fear, Isolation, Poetry, Family, Friends
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Capturing the shock and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of Garvey, a beloved character, Nikki Grimes’s newest novel in verse shows readers how to find hope in difficult times.
Garvey’s finally happy—he’s feeling close to his father through their shared love of music, bullies are no longer tormenting him, and his best friends Manny and Joe are by his side. But when the schools, stores, and restaurants close because people are getting sick, Garvey’s improved life goes into lockdown as well. And when Garvey’s father gets sick, Garvey must find a way to use his newfound musical skills to bring hope to both his father and himself. Moving, powerful, and beautifully told, this remarkable novel shows readers how even small acts have large reverberations, how every person can make a difference in this world, and how—even in the most difficult times—there are ways to reach for hope and healing.
Why I like this book:
Masterful storytelling. Nikki Grimes writes with great simplicity about a boy, Garvey, living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. One of the things I love about her novel in verse is that it takes readers deeply into the hearts and minds of the characters. They really experience Garvey’s thoughts and emotions, which are very dark at times.
The story is character-driven with Garvey’s strong voice. At first COVID didn’t really effect Garvey’s life and he enjoyed having the time off. Other than his bossy sister, he still plays catch outside with his friend, Joe, and listens to music with his friend, Manny. Then his life comes to a halt with the lockdown. Online learning begins. While he’s on the computer, his mother is distance teaching with her students. Isolation, fear and uncertainty set in. The pandemic dominates the TV news. Garvey’s father is considered an essential worker and he eventually contracts COVID. Garveys days are dark and gloomy, but he uses his musical talents to bring hope to himself and his family.
Comfort
A few times a day
I turn up in the kitchen
hungry for something
to chew on besides worry,
thirsty for back-to-normal.
A few times a day
I turn up in the kitchen
hungry for something
to chew on besides worry,
thirsty for back-to-normal.
There is so much meaning in each word Grimes’s carefully chooses to tell the story. But because the novel is short, it isn’t a heavy read. She uses a form of poetry called Tanka. Make sure you read about this ancient poetry form at the end of the book. It is a powerful book for current and future generations. As a nation I don’t believe we’ve fully grieved the loss of so many loved ones, making this book an even more important read. Perfect classroom discussion book. I highly recommend Garvey in the Dark because where there is hope there is healing.
Nikki Grimes is a New York Times bestselling author whose awards for the body of her work include the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, the ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She has also received several ALSC Notables, a Coretta Scott King Author Award, five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors, a Printz Honor and a Sibert Honor. She lives in Coronoa, California. Visit her website.
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*Reviewed from a library copy.