"In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance -- including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era -- by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking. This special book also includes original artwork in full-color from some of today's most exciting African American illustrators, who have created pieces of art based on Nikki's original poems. Featuring art by: Cozbi Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Nikki Grimes, E.B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon. A foreword, an introduction to the history of the Harlem Renaissance, author's note, poet biographies, and index makes this not only a book to cherish, but a wonderful resource and reference as well"-- Provided by publisher.

Emergency measure /by Nikki Grimes -- Storm ending / by Jean Toomer -- Truth / by Nikki Grimes -- Life and death / by Clara Ann Thompson -- Crucible of champions / by Nikki Grimes -- For a poet / by Countee Cullen -- A safe place / by Nikki Grimes -- Calling dreams / by Georgia Douglas Johnson -- The sculptor / by Nikki Grimes -- We wear the mask / by Paul Laurence Dunbar -- Jabari unmasked / by Nikki Grimes -- Mother to son / by Langston Hughes -- Lessons / by Nikki Grimes -- As the eagle soars / by Jean Toomer -- No hamsters here / by Nikki Grimes -- An excerpt from To Usward / by Gwendolyn Bennett -- In search of a superpower / by Nikki Grimes -- Hope / by Georgia Douglas Johnson -- On bully patrol / by Nikki Grimes -- The negro speaks of rivers / by Langston Hughes -- David's old soul / by Nikki Grimes -- To a dark girl / by Gwendlyn Bennett -- Through the eyes of artists / by Nikki Grimes -- Common dust / by Georgia Douglas Johnson -- A dark date for Josh / by Nikki Grimes -- No images / by Waring Cuney -- Blurred beauty / by Nikki Grimes -- The minor key / by Clara Ann Thompson -- Common denominator / by Nikki Grimes -- I leave the glory days / by Nikki Grimes.