My Man Blue (Picture Books) [Hardcover]

Nikki Grimes (Author), Jerome LaGarrigue (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Picture Books

These are just some of the great reviews and awards that greeted the publication of My Man Blue in May 1999. Nikki Grimes's poetically realistic tale and Jerome Lagarrigue's powerful and sensitive paintings highlight two everyday heroes who discover what it means to be a true friend. Blue, who lost one boy to the streets, is determined that this time will be different. Now Damon has Blue-to shoot hoops with, bounce thoughts off of, to share a laugh and a hot dog with all the works. Someone standing steadfast in Damon's corner. Someone true-like Blue.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 14 knowing, heartfelt poems, Grimes (Come Sunday) invites readers to witness the friendship that blossoms between Damon, an African-American boy without a father, and Blue, a tough-looking man who has lost his son to the streets. At first Damon isn't sure what to make of "This rugged dude/ Who some folk think/ Looks fierce in clothes/ of midnight black." But the boy quickly discovers Blue's "harmless, gentle-giant side." In between shooting hoops and outings to the park, Blue fortifies Damon's values and self-confidenceAthe very things that prevent Damon from resorting to the violence and antisocial behavior prevalent in his urban world. Though each of these accomplished poems could easily stand alone, together they form an enticing story arc. In his picture book debut, Lagarrigue doesn't interpret Grimes's words literallyAhis Blue looks approachable. Readers never see, for example, the teeth that startle the boy ("one gold, three cracked"), and Blue's getup doesn't match the text's description of perpetual shades and black leather. The deep-hued acrylic paintings have a rough, slightly smudgy texture, and they demonstrate a remarkable color sense. Unexpected fields of sharp blues and greens blend into the gritty cityscapes, and blocks of text are set against canvases thinly brushed with paint in palettes that complement the facing illustration. The art creates an ideal setting for the text: the look is inescapably urban but also subtly lyrical. Ages 6-up. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-A child's suspicion of the new man in his mother's life grows into admiration and love in this set of linked poems. "When We First Met," young Damon recalls, "I circle, look him up and down and let/Him know his grin's not winning points with me," but all resistance melts in the face of Blue's respect, his quiet strength, his willingness to teach and to listen, and to look out for Damon's safety. By the end, Damon is hoping, one day, to be "Like Blue"; "Not fierce/In black leather/Or built like/A heavyweight/Boxing machine/But like that/Other Blue I've seen/The one who/Says he cares/And shows it." Lagarrigue debuts with a set of twilit, impressionistic, sparsely populated street scenes in which Blue, with his shaven head and heavy frame, leans hugely but attentively toward his diminutive companion. Damon mentions his mother several times, but because she appears in the illustrations only once, she remains a background presence as man and boy bond.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803723261
• ISBN-13: 978-0803723269
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,557,262 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

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A role model, October 1, 2008

By 

Judy K. Polhemus "Book Collector" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Man Blue (Picture Puffin Books) (Mass Market Paperback)

The post-impressionist splashes of color (gashes of blue across Blue's bronze skin) remind the reader that this story is more than just a story, that the illustrations are more than that. "My Man Blue" is the story of a quiet hero, a constant gardener, so to speak, and a boy trying to find his way.

In case the reader loses track of setting, there it is on the title page--the top of a factory of some sort, an urban skyline. In this setting, Nikki Grimes tells the story of Damon, a fatherless boy, and Blue, a sonless man. The boy lost his father to the indifference of urban life and that lack of responsibility sometimes spawned there. Blue lost his son to the streets and gang life.

Blue deliberately cultivates Damon's friendship to fill that hole left by his father, a hole that needs filling one way or another. Damon taps into Blue's emptiness as well. It is a mutual friendship.

So it goes. Ms Grimes tells her story of Damon and Blue, one free-verse poem at a time, revealing a snippet of character here, a facet of courage there, a swath of lesson about strong men. Not only do the poems reveal Blue's character, but the illustrations do, too. The prevailing mood is somber (like the gritty, urban landscape) brushed through with intense, bright colors (of hope, maybe?).

Now if only every little boy had a Blue....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, November 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: My Man Blue (Picture Books) (Hardcover)

This book is wonderful. In a time when many boys do not have strong male role models, this book gives a wonderful example of a man mentoring a boy who needs him. The book is full of poetry, and beautiful illustrations. It teaches wonderful values, and is a must for any family. Excellent!

4.0 out of 5 stars A kid review about Blue, November 11, 2006

By 

Fariba Oveisitork "book worm" (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Man Blue (Picture Puffin Books) (Mass Market Paperback)

My Man Blue is a story about an african american boy named Damon who moves to his mom's old neighborhood. When they arrive this guy Blue stops them on the street. So Damon gets suspicous that his hello is on "mom's account." But he and Blue eventually become friends. As their friendship grows, Damon finds out that Blue lost his son Zeke to the streets. Blue teaches Damon how to control his temper, and about tolorence and about patience. There are several poems about Damon's expirences and problems.I enjoyed the book. I believe that the author is trying to tell you about the violence and how to deal with it.