AT JERUSALEM’S GATE: POEMS OF EASTER

Grimes, Nikki.  At Jerusalem's Gate:  Poems of Easter.  Ill. by David Frampton.  Grand Rapids, Mich.:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2005.  ISBN 0-8028-5183-5.


Plot Summary

Grimes recounts the Easter story from Jesus riding through the palm frond-waving crowds through Christ's resurrection from the dead.  Throughout the tale, the author tries to imagine what various historical figures are feeling and allows the readers to follow along poetically.  The storyline is scripturally-based with references used primarily from the four gospels.


Critical Analysis

What a masterful collection of 22 poems Grimes has woven into the Easter story.  The storyline is intriguing on its own.  It is simple and to the point, yet it gives every reader, whether familiar with the Easter story or not, every significant detail of the impending death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The thematic poems are organized in correspondence to the chronological order of the Lord's last few days on earth.  Grimes uses short lines to create a staccato rhythm.  Her poetry varies in its rhyming pattern with free verse being the most common scheme throughout the book.   No specific sound reverberated detectably throughout the poems.  The language used is not designed to be symbolic or figurative.  The imagery the reader gets throughout this collection is more from the emotion of the story as a whole rather than particular word choice.  Sadness, anger, self-doubt, and unfailing love sweep through these emotional poems of Jesus' saving grace.

The topical collection of Easter poems could stand by themselves; however, the addition of Frampton's woodcuts put this book over the top.  The sharp angular figures depicted throughout showcase the raw emotion felt by the witnesses to their Savior's final acts.  The illustrations are so fitting in that one could envision someone carving illustrations, such as these, during the time of Christ Himself.  The combination of Grimes' poetic imaginations and Frampton's symbolic woodcuts work in perfect harmony to create a lasting and memorable reading experience.

  

Review Excerpts

"Grimes' clever wordplay (e.g., the scourging of Jesus is "the pastime of the Passion") will hold readers' attention, and her poems ask some important theological questions--whether, for example, Judas was a villain or just part of God's plan to save humanity. Frampton's woodcuts, which recall Byzantine artwork, especially in the wide-eyed, angular faces, are extraordinarily compelling. The bold colors and thoughtful, intricate patterning demand a second look." – John Green, Booklist 2/15/05

 

"Poetry is gentle yet thoughtful, alluding to the brutality of the execution while providing an almost prayer-like personal reflection. Multi-colored woodcuts suggest the emotion and mood of each scene in a parody of stained glass. A handsome, well-designed offering for middle readers and families." –  Kirkus Reviews 1/1/05

 

"Each poem is preceded by a brief synopsis of the event, often accompanied by the author's own musings and queries, which prompt readers to think and ask questions of their own.  Bold, handsome woodcuts reinforce the powerful drama depicted in poetry.  An outstanding effort worthy of inclusion in most collections." – Sally R. Dow, School Library Journal 3/1/05

 

Other Books by Nikki Grimes

 

Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book

Words with Wings

Meet Danitra Brown
Planet Middle School

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

Almost Zero
  

Visit her website for more information:   http://www.nikkigrimes.com/

 

Other Books Illustrated by David Frampton

Bull Run by Paul Fleischman
The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse translated by Jack Zipes
Riding the Tiger by Eve Bunting

Visit his website for more information:  http://www.jacketflap.com/david-frampton/34402

Book Connections

Who Was Born This Special Day? -- Eve Bunting; Leonid Gore, Ill.
The Christian Mother Goose Treasury -- by Marjorie Ainsborough Decker;
        Glenna Fae Hammond, Ill.

The Yellow Star : The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark -- Carmen Agra
        Deedy;  Henri Sørensen, Ill.

 

Connection Activities

• Have each student pick one of the 22 poems in At Jerusalem's Gate:  Poems of Easter and describe how the poem helped them understand how that person was feeling.
• Recall an event your students have studied (e.g. Christopher Columbus discovering America, Sir Isaac Newton and the law of gravity, Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, etc.).  Have the students think about someone related to that event and write a poem which describes how they are feeling at that point in history.