At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter [Hardcover]

Nikki Grimes (Author), David Frampton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilates wife fears her husbands decision. Beginning with Christs triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it. The authors introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and David Framptons beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts illuminate each poem. This book offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history. For ages 10 and up.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–Twenty-two free-form poems tell the story of the first Easter, beginning with the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through the voices of those who witnessed it. 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. References at the end cite the biblical passages upon which each poem is based, as well as descriptive notes. Bold, handsome woodcuts reinforce the powerful drama depicted in poetry. An outstanding effort worthy of inclusion in most collections.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. In this series of simple, straightforward poems preceded by explanatory paragraphs, Grimes retells the Easter story from Jesus' triumphant arrival at Jerusalem's Gate to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. 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. Some readers (and parents) may find Grimes' focus on Jesus' suffering and execution (only the last two poems speak of the Resurrection) to be more "Poems of Good Friday" than "Poems of Easter," and Grimes' literalist interpretation of biblical events won't appeal to some Christians. But for those who take their Gospels as gospel truth, this is an arresting rendition of the greatest, and saddest, story ever told. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (February 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802851835
• ISBN-13: 978-0802851833
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #852,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nikki Grimes conveyed the fire-in-the-belly fervor of a Harlem girl who knows she was born to write in Jazmin's Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. In My Man Blue, a Booklist Editor's Choice and Newsweek Children's Books of the Year selection, her artful words expressed a boy's journey from skepticism to trust. And now with Bronx Masquerade she presents a rich chorus of eighteen voices, singing openly about ideas, feelings, and questions--things that open minds, invite debate, provide release. A recent Booklist review proclaims: "As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for--real characters who show them they are not alone."An accomplished poet, novelist, journalist, and educator, Ms. Grimes was born and raised in New York City and now lives in the Los Angeles area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A one-of-a-kind book about Easter, March 4, 2009

By 

Christine M. Irvin (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter (Hardcover)

At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter is a truly unusual retelling of the story of Easter. The author, Nikki Grimes, begins with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and ending with the time shortly after Jesus' resurrection. Each part of the story is told in verse, some rhyming and some not, with the point of view of a different character or a different scene for each poem. The author includes an introduction to each poem, telling how and why she chose that particular character to tell his/her part of the story.

She uses such well-known characters as Judas, Caiaphas (head of the religious counsel), Pilate, Simon (who carried Jesus' cross), Peter (who denied knowing Christ), the criminals who were crucified with Jesus, Malchus (a servant of Caiaphas), Mary the mother of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary Magdalene, and witnesses who saw Jesus after his resurrection. She even has two poems about inanimate objects, the tree whose wood was used for the cross and the sun that refused to shine when Jesus took his last breath. She includes scenes from the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Crucifixion.

The text is thought-provoking in both its set-up and its language. The author says it best when she writes, "Much of the Biblical story of Easter makes us squirm, so we rush ahead to the good stuff: the resurrection, the ascension, and the celebration that followed. However, the celebrations is hollow unless we pause to consider the price Jesus paid to win the world invitations to the party, and that price included suffering on the way to the cross."

There is a page at the end of the book that gives Biblical references for all the poems.

David Frampton's wood-cut illustrations remind me of stained glass, providing images that "illuminate" the text.

What I Like: Everything.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests grades 5-8 as the targeted audience. I think this age group would enjoy the book on their own, but I think younger children, maybe grades 3-4, would enjoy the book also, if shared with a parent and/or older sibling. 5 stars.

Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

5.0 out of 5 stars A visual and poetic feast for Easter, August 26, 2008

By 

Sixkids (South Dakota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter (Hardcover)

I found At Jerusalem's Gate at the library. After reading the fresh poems covering its ancient story, and seeing the inspired wood cuts used as illustrations, I went on Amazon and ordered a copy for my family and several copies for gifts.