Meet Danitra Brown by Nikki Grimes, Niki Grimes, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

This spirited collection of poems introduces young readers to Danitra Brown, the most splendiferous girl in town, and her best friend, Zuri Jackson. "The poignant text and lovely pictures are an excellent collaboration, resulting in a look at touching moments of universal appeal."—School Library Journal.

Publishers Weekly

PW gave these poems about the friendship of two African American girls a starred review, saying, "Anyone who has a best friend can relate to this realistic but bubbly volume." Ages 3-up. (Sept.)

Children's Literature

This is a wonderful portrait of two little girls, Danitra and Zuri, and their friendship. They enjoy the fun of bike riding, jumping rope and sharing their personal lives. Danitra is bold and independent, but also caring and greatly admired by her best friend Zuri. Warm, soft illustrations by Cooper capture all the nuances of the poems. An ALA Notable Book and A Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book.

Children's Literature

This is an original collection of poetry that tells of the friendship between two African-American girls, Danitra and Zuri. When Danitra tells Zuri that some day she will win the Nobel Prize, Zuri knows that she speaks the truth. When kids tease Zuri about her dark skin, her Mama says, "Next time honey, you just say/ The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice." Copper's portraits of the girls are filled with wit and charm that reflect their personalities.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-A collection of 13 original poems that stand individually and also blend together to tell a story of feelings and friendship between two African-American girls. Grimes creatively uses the voice of Zuri Jackson to share tales of the girls' moments of admiration, pain, self-assurance, pride in their cultural heritage, sadness, disappointments, play, and their thoughts and feelings about future dreams and aspirations. Cooper's distinguished illustrations in warm dusty tones convey the feeling of closeness. The poignant text and lovely pictures are an excellent collaboration, resulting in a look at touching moments of friendship with universal appeal.-Barbara Osborne Williams, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY

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