Introduction

It has been said that the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance will forever inspire us.

For this unit, you will read Bronx Masquerade, an awesome work of fiction by Nikki Grimes. 

You will begin the study by completing pre-reading activities.  These activities will help you build background knowledge and get an idea of what to expect before you actually begin reading the novel.

Then as you read and experience Open Mike Fridays full of prose and poetry written by teens who have dreams and fears like yourself, you will complete vocabulary activities, use graphic organizers to help you conduct a close reading of the novel, and participate in on-line discussions.

After reading, look forward to completing Post-reading Projects.  You will write a poem and participate in our own Open Mike Friday and write and present a booktalk to another class or write your own prose and poetry chapter to conclude the novel.

Finally, as you grasp all that the novel has to offer, keep the following questions in mind:

What are some reading strategies

that will help you read more closely?

How does the legacy of the

Harlem Renaissance continue to inspire?