My Man Blue, Poems by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue

A great collection of poetry and artwork, this poetry picture book is especially powerful and moving. Connected through poems that tell a story, My Man Blue shares the story of the special bond between man and boy. Damon, an African American boy, develops a relationship with Blue, a friend of Damon's mom. Blue provides Damon a solid foundational base and develops the Damon's deep inner strength through their interactions. Blue becomes the father figure in Damon's life who will watch over him. In a rough neighborhood, Blue is well aware how some boys get lost to the streets. He has already lost his son Zeke to the streets, which makes Blue even more determined to prevent Damon from a similar fate. Blue tells Damon, "Your missing daddy also left a hole in you...If friendship fills it, there's less chance the streets will eat at you." Blue is an outlet for Damon by providing him with opportunities. Whether shooting hoops, climbing a tree, or eating hot dogs together, Blue provides Damon with chances to be a kid. Most of all, Blue takes it upon himself to keep Damon out of the trouble that threatens on the streets.

My Man Blue shows how we should not judge by looks alone. By just looking at Blue, one would see his gold and cracked teeth, his dark shades, his muscular build, and his black leather jacket and clothes, but beneath this tough guy exterior is Blue's "harmless gentle-giant side." He serves as the protector and watchdog over Damon. As an advocate for Damon, Blue also shows Damon how to rise above his situation by standing firm in his beliefs and teaching him high moral values. Damon resists fights on the playground knowing "It's guys who don't hit girls who're strong." After school while his mom is working, Damon is self-efficient cooking dinner and reading. He resists and ignores the comments made about him. Without Blue as positive male role model in his life, I do not think Damon would have developed as strong of a realization about the future opportunities he can have. He does not have to succumb to the street.

I also liked how Blue did not ignore the realities of Damon's life situation either. He realizes the world is tough, especially in their neighborhood. While teaching Damon how he can rise above his situation, he also teaches Damon self-defense skills. As Damon puts it, "He's just trying to keep me fit for this world." In Damon's school, Damon experiences death too. A boy gets shot at school. Damon is only beginning to understand the consequences of hate and fear and dangers that exist in today's society. As Nikki Grimes explores these topics, Jerome Lagarrrigue's illustrations are flawless. The acrylic paintings show the mutual relationship between boy and man. Their bond is emphasized even more through the illustrations.

Blue serves as a truly dedicated teacher and role model in Damon's life. If as a teacher I can provide the kind of support system Blue provided for Damon for even a few students, I would feel successful. This book made me think about the impact of programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Sometimes kids just need that positive influence in their life who they can talk to, knowing that they have someone who will listen and offer needed support and love. Besides being a tool to teach students about looking past physical appearances and the importance of having positive influences in one's life, My Man Blue is also a valuable tool for teachers to understand the funds of knowledge that students come with into the classroom. Students come from different backgrounds into the classroom. A student like Damon is part of a single-parent family who has never known his dad. I feel that getting to know both my future students and the community will only help guide me in being a better teacher and mentor to students.