Why this book? Why will it matter to kids?

The theme, the elements, and the illustrated format of Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel will appeal to upper elementary and middle school readers. The tanka poems are crisp, often emotional, and always on-point as they explore friendship, family relationships, inner strength, choice, self-image, and more.

Illustration © Theodore Taylor III

Levels and Layers of Learning

Grade level: 5-7

Acceptance, compassion, concern, connection, creativity, empathy, encouragement, empowerment, Fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, helpfulness, hope,  inspiration, kindness, perseverance, persistence, perspective, resilience, resourcefulness, respect, responsible decision-making, relationship building, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-management, self-reliance, social awareness, tenacity, understanding

Using This Book in the Classroom

Hit the Ground Running Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents

Garvey’s Choice Educator/Discussion Guide

Learn more about Nikki Grimes and her books.

Write Away! Ideas to prompt writing

In “Busted” (pg. 76), Garvey quips, “Best thing about friends:/They know you inside and out./ Worst thing about friends:/ They know you inside and out.” Manny and Joe are both good friends to Garvey. How do we know this? Use examples from the story. How is Garvey a good friend to them?

Who is a good friend to you? Why do you consider this person a good friend? How are you a good friend?

In “When I Sing” (pp.106-107) Garvey reflects, “When I sing, my heart/floats full and light, as if I’m/ a balloon of song/rising with every lyric/reaching the edges of space.” Tell about what makes you “float full of light, reaching the edges of space.”

Garvey makes a choice and gradually begins “to learn what I am made of, to pay attention to the kid in my own eyes, starting to like what I see.” What is your favorite part of the story? Explain.

Illustration © Theodore Taylor III

Poetry Break Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into brief moments in the school day—from opening or closing exercises to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to transitioning from one subject to the next. Reading a poem typically takes less than a minute; yet, it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding of a concept, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.

“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” `~ Elena Aguilar

At the back of Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel , Nikki explains tanka, an ancient poetry form with origins in Japan, which she used to write the original novel in verse Garvey’s Choice. Read Nikki’s explanation on page 141 and then try your hand at writing tanka.

Find more tanka poetry in:

• Orangutanka by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Renée Kurilla

And Then There’s This…
Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study

Listen to a recording of “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross.

Study the lyrics of “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross. Discuss the song’s meaning to Garvey in the story.

Illustration © Theodore Taylor III

Related Books of Interest:

Newly Released Graphic Novels

• 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary by Don Brown
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Illustrated Classics edition
• The Do-Over by Rodrigo Vargas and Coni Yovaniniz
• Hoops by Matt Tavares
• School Trip by Jerry Craft
• Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson

Find additional novels in verse resources and interviews on Children’s Book Corner here and here.

Meet the Illustrator

Theodore Taylor III is the illustrator of multiple children’s books, including Shaquille O’Neal’s Little Shaq series and the picture books Buzzing with questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner and When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop, for which he received the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award. His work is inspired by his love of music, comics, animation, video games, street art, and more. He lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife and son.  Learn more on his website.

Backstory: Q & A with Theodore Taylor III

Judy Bradbury: Tell about one hurdle you experienced in the creation of Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel, or provide a memorable (or humorous!) anecdote related to making the book.

Theodore Taylor III: Because Nikki’s original poems were in tanka format we had to keep the proper line breaks the same throughout the book. That was a challenge when it came to fitting the text in certain places, especially in word bubbles, but we made it work.

JB: What would surprise readers to learn about you or about the illustrating of Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel?

TTIII: I think some people may be surprised to know that I drew the entire book on my iPad!

Illustration © Theodore Taylor III

JB: What do you hope readers will take away from Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel?

TTIII: I hope that the book inspires kids to stay true to themselves. I identified closely with Garvey because when I was younger I was often encouraged to play sports when what I really wanted to do was draw and be creative. I followed my intuition and here I am, drawing picture books and graphic novels!

 JB: What is one question you wish I had asked, and what is your answer?

TTIII: Who is my favorite comic book artist?

Answer: Taiyo Matsumoto, author of books like Tekkonkinkreet and Sunny!

Meet the Author

Sidebar Spotlight New releases of note

Each month I receive several boxes of books to review from various publishers. As I read and peruse the books, I place them in two piles: those that I will consider featuring on the blog, and those that don’t fit the mission or theme of Children’s Book Corner blog for whatever reason. I highlight some of the books in the “possible” pile on Mondays (most weeks) on Instagram. Ultimately, I choose the one new release I will feature on my monthly blog post. Yet there are many terrific books I wish I could give a shout-out to, even if I can’t write an entire post about each one. So, Sidebar Spotlight is a means of giving a nod to new releases that, in my opinion, are noteworthy. I’ve linked each title to Bookshop so you can learn more. Happy reading, friends! And feel free to comment on these or other new books below.

Eat Your Superpowers!: How Colorful Foods Keep You Healthy and Strong by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Serge Bloch; this engaging and humorous board book introduces young eaters to nutrition. From tomatoes to tofu, you’ll find facts accompanied by silly illustrations. A chunky package that educates while it entertains!

Gaudi: Architect of Imagination by Susan B. Katz, illustrated by Linda Schwalloe; an excellent picture book biography of Antoni Gaudi, the disabled artist and architect whose many wonders grace Barcelona, and whose story celebrates invention, singular creativity, and the power of spirit in overcoming limitations.

Mail Duck Helps a Friend: A Book of Colors and Surpises by Erica Sirotich is a lively board book about friendship as well as colors fittingly paced for the audience. Charming illustrations.

Shermy & Shake, The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson, illustrated by Shinji Fujioka; an enjoyably readable episodic chapter book tale centering on two boys with personality differences who gradually and tenuously develop a friendship during summer vacation; first in a series by beloved Newbery Honor author.

News, Updates, & Items of Interest

Read-aloud of a portion of Cayuga Island Kids Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek

Readers Theater, complete with props! 

Find where my books and I will be on my Events page.

If you read and like a book, consider posting a review on GoodReads or on Amazon (if you bought it there). Authors and illustrators appreciate the shout-out. Even a one-sentence comment increases visibility of a book. Also consider placing a request with your local library to purchase a copy. It’s free, and it takes only moments to do!

As the end of May and the beginning of June mark the onset of summer vacation in schools throughout the country, I’ll be taking a break in June and July, returning with the monthly installments of this blog in August. Thank you for reading, for offering comments, and for sharing the best in books for children that spark conversations, encourage kindness, and expand learning and growing.

Have thoughts or ideas to share? Please add them in the comments section below. It’s always great to hear from you!

Happy, relaxing summer, everyone.

Over to You…

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Final Thought