Garvey's Choice

Using the Tanka, a form of Japanese poetry, Grimes shares the story of Garvey. He is overweight and loves reading, astronomy, and singing. He feels the pressure of disappointing his father, who wants an athletic son and suffers constant bullying at school. But thanks to his old friend Joe and new friend, Manny, Garvey goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns where he fits in. This was a very effective way to tell this story.

This book is a classic work of art! I don't know why there are not many more five star reviews. It deserves all the awards it has received, and more. This novel in verse eloquently covers so much sensitive territory in a story of an overweight boy who is not interested in the football his father wants him to play. Garvey is more interested in math and astronomy, and is the butt of teasing and bullying due to his weight. Joe, his best friend encourages him to sign up for chorus. There he makes a new friend, Manny, and finds a place he can really shine. In one of many poignant teaching moments, Manny succinctly admonishes Garvey not to stare at his pale skim milk skin (he has albinism) by saying: "This is me. Get over it." With the encouragement of his friends, Garvey blossoms, and gets the courage to tell his true feelings to people he cares about. I think of the 4-6 grade set as a bit young to have coming of age books, but this is surely an exception. In the process, he earns respect from his former tormentors, creates a new bond with his father, learns to have faith in his own choices and literally, find his voice. Garvey's Choice is spot-on with middle grade issues and feelings. Nary a word is wasted, and every word is chosen for its impact. This is a great book for kids to read on their own. Nevertheless, it would be a fun book to read to younger children and discuss the many thoughtful scenes and marvel at how big life issues are framed in ways young people can absorb easily. Kudos to Grimes!

I ordered 40 copies for my classroom. All copies came in great except one, which was dirty and had a torn cover. This was very disappointing as I wanted to present my students with nice new books. I love this story and wanted to share it with my students. It is a short, easy read that shares a touching story between a father and a son. It also presents ideas related to independence, friendship, and perseverance. I highly recommend it for upper elementary and early middle-grade students.

When I saw this book was by the amazing Nikki Grimes, I knew my daughter and I needed to read it together! We have been Grimes fans since she introduced us to the golden shovel poetry form in The Watcher. This book is also entirely in verse, the tanka form. Tanka meaning “short poem” in Japanese. Each poem in the story is made up of 1 or 2 five-line stanzas and contributes to the story of Garvey. The book is moving and powerful. I took pictures of our favorite lines. I ended up with so many that I decided to just buy the book before we even finished reading it! Here are a few of our favorite lines: “All evening long, I try tucking in my sadness, but it keeps getting snagged on my voice when I speak...” “Do friends make the best mirrors?” “...Now ‘fat boy’ insults glide right off me like raindrops. I dance in the pool they make.” This is a beautiful book with a beautiful message. I am always a sucker for a happy ending!

Nikki Grimes tells Garvey’s story in Tanka, an ancient poetry form from Japan. Tanka translates as “short song”. Images flow in an expanding stream, rounding out Garvey’s life. He’s a young boy, dancing alone by a slide until his first friend finds him and joins in his quiet moment. A skinny kid mocks him at school, and Garvey’s too lost in his own world to see the other boy’s pain. His father constantly drives him to become someone he’ll never be. The tempo rises as Garvey realizes he has gifts, if he can find the courage to move forward. Encouraged by friends who’ve faced their own demons, Garvey shows the world he can sing. That song transforms his life, and the lives of those who love him. --Kate Calina

This is an amazing book composed of Narrative Poetry. I will definitely be using this book for Poetry Month in April for my students. This book is perfect for ages 8-14 years old.

I really enjoyed this novel in verse by Nikki Grimes. Garvey longs for approval from his father. He doesn’t like sports and would rather be reading, playing chess, or hanging out with his friend Joe. He deals with ridicule from his peers for his size. When he joins chorus, his world begins to change. He makes another friend, begins to have faith in himself, and finally makes the connection with his dad that he had been longing for. This is a very quick read with a wonderful, positive message. So many kids struggle with self-image, and I love how Garvey finally begins to accept himself as he is. I also love the style of the book, written in Tanka poetry. Perfect for grades 4 and up.