Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes

Grimes is a talented storyteller, using poems rather than prose to tell her stories, and it works. Her verse flows freely with grace and beauty, not hindered by rhyme or haiku. The line breaks at times felt a little forced, as Grimes tried to stress a point, which worked well throughout most of the story. She speaks with a powerful voice to reveal the heart and strength of both of the boys, along with the growth and hope they achieve. This book gave me the shivers as it flowed quickly through my hands. Given its religious content, I am glad to see that Grimes did not shy away from that aspect in Sam’s story, embracing the cultural as well as religious aspects within the intertwining stories. It made, what could have been a simple story into a deep, emotional, and powerfully relevant story for many youth today.