DARK SONS

Name: DARK SONS
Author: Nikki Grimes
ISBN: 0-7868-1888-3

by Nikki Grimes ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2005

The strength of the poetry along with this assumption that religion and a relationship with God are an integral part of life...

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Grimes contrasts the Biblical story of Abraham’s son Ishmael with present day Samuel’s trying to cope with divorce and his father’s remarriage.

Conveyed almost entirely in prose poems, the work gives deeper meaning to both stories. A few quotes from Hammurabi’s Code, which preface some sections, provide needed context. Both sons focus first on their mothers. Ishmael’s mother is a slave, and the jealousy of Abraham’s wife makes their life difficult. The arrival of Isaac, the natural son in ancient times and of David, a biracial child in the present, gives a clear picture of the universality over time of sons wanting to be first in their father’s lives regardless of circumstances, as well as the charm of new babies. Grimes allows Samuel to find some peace, ably assisted by both of the women in his family, but Ishmael and his mother head into the desert, leaving Abraham behind completely. Three major religions derive from Abraham’s seed, giving this impact for many people of faith.

The strength of the poetry along with this assumption that religion and a relationship with God are an integral part of life distinguishes and illuminates the narrative. (Fiction. YA)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005

ISBN: 0-7868-1888-3

Page Count: 160

Publisher: Hyperion

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2005

Categories:

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

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LULLABY FOR THE KING
by Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Michelle Carlos

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A WALK IN THE WOODS
by Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

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GARVEY'S CHOICE
by Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

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JEREMY

THE TALE OF AN HONEST BUNNY

by Jan Karon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2000

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1886

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2000

ISBN: 0-670-88104-X

Page Count: 82

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
CYNTHIA COPPERSMITH’S VIOLET COMES TO STAY
by Jan Karon & Melanie Cecka & illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

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QUEEN ESTHER, THE MORNING STAR

by Mordicai Gerstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2000

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Gerstein (Absolutely Awful Alphabet, 1999, etc.) retells the tale of Queen Esther’s plight, making the origins of Purim and its lessons shine. The well-known events of the tale are well told: When the wealthy king of Persia selects the beautiful Esther as his new wife, her cousin Mordecai warns her not to tell the king she is Jewish; Haman concocts his devious plan; Mordecai saves the king from poisoning, etc. Unlike Cathy Goldberg Fishman’s On Purim (2000), which makes the origins of Purim secondary to the preparations for the celebration, Gerstein offers in-depth portrayals of the principal characters. He rounds out the story in the depiction of Esther’s devotion to Mordecai, the king’s growing affection for his queen, and his gullibility at the hands of the villainous prime minister. Colorful illustrations shimmer with the vibrant hues of Persia, with lush purple, orange, and yellow mingling to vivid effect. Eminently readable, this biblical tale of evil vanquished and innocence saved contains an important message about strength of character that speaks to all children, regardless of their faith. (Picture book. 5-10)