At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter - Hardcover

Grimes, Nikki

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802851835 ISBN 13: 9780802851833

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2005

Synopsis

I angle for
a glimpse of him
whose touch unlocks
a blind man's sight,
a deaf man's hearing. A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilate's wife fears her husband's decision. Beginning with Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it.

The author's introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and David Frampton's beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts illuminate each poem. At Jerusalem's Gate offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history.

About this title

About the Author

David Frampton has been writing and illustrating books foryoung readers for thirty years. Some of his honored worksinclude The Whole Night Through (HarperCollins),My Son John written by Jim Aylesworth (Henry Holt),and Rhyolite written by Diane Siebert (Clarion).David Frampton grew up in Brooklyn, New York and lives inApex, North Carolina.

From the Back Cover

"I angle for
a glimpse of him
whose touch unlocks
a blind man's sight,
a deaf man's hearing."

A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilate's wife fears her husband's decision. Beginning with Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it.

The author's introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and David Frampton's beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts illuminate each poem. "At Jerusalem's Gate" offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history.

Reviews

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

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
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Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802851835
• ISBN 13: 9780802851833
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Frampton David
• Number of pages: 48