In her own voice, acclaimed author and poet Nikki Grimes explores the truth of a harrowing childhood in a compelling and moving memoir in verse.
Growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and a mostly absent father, Nikki Grimes found herself terrorized by babysitters, shunted from foster family to foster family, and preyed upon by those she trusted.
At the age of six, she poured her pain onto a piece of paper late one night - and discovered the magic and impact of writing.
For many years, Nikki's notebooks were her most enduing companions. In this accessible and inspiring memoir that will resonate with young readers and adults alike, Nikki shows how the power of those words helped her conquer the hazards - ordinary and extraordinary - of her life.---from the publisher
336 pages 978-1629798813 Ages 12 and up
Keywords: African American author, African American, biography, courage, diverse books, diversity, growing up, coming of age, survival, mental health, mental illness, foster child, foster family, trust, abuse, writing, memoir, 12 year old, 13 year old, 14 year old, 15 year old