Review of THANKS A MILLION by Nikki Grimes

Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. Thanks a Million. Ill. by Cozbi A. Cabrera. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 978068817293


Plot Summary
Nikki Grimes pens a lovely book of poems that softly exalt the virtue of appreciativeness. The book contains many endearing poems that warm the heart: "The turkey lies waiting while we bow for grace, to offer up thanks, for this time and place." But, the book does not limit itself to catchy and charming rhymes, many profound verses are situated among the lighter poems. One such poem is titled “Shelter”. In this poem, we hear the voice of a young boy who lives at a shelter with his mother and young brother: “Things could be worse, I know. At least, I’m not alone. My mom and brother hold me tight when I cry late at night.” Touching and heartfelt, Thanks a Million reminds us to be grateful and to find the good in every situation.


Critical Analysis
Thanks a Million is a charming book dedicated to evoke an attitude of gratefulness. Nikki Grimes gracefully presents her poetic gratitude journal in the form of eighteen poems. Each poem is unique from the others in style and form, yet the common theme of thankfulness resonates from cover to cover. The titles of the poems are fittingly unpretentious, spanning topics such as “Reward”, “Weekends”, and “Lunch Box Love Notes.” The diversification of poetic forms play to the reader’s need for variety. This is especially essential when a solitary theme permeates every poem. Poems such as “The Lunchroom” and “Shoe Surprise” ascribe to longer verse while “Even the Trees” is a haiku that is celebratory in its simplicity. Thanks a Million has a simmering effect and provides a soothing read. That said, its reclined pace may not hold the attention of younger children.

Contrasting the often-delicate ripple of endearing words, Cozbi Cabrera paints the pages of this book with bold colors and beautifully haunting images. The cover of the book depicts a young boy who is the color of warm, dark chocolate. His ebony skin tone is starkly highlighted against a bright yellow backdrop. In his possession are a single flower and a gentle smile. The celebration of multiculturalism is beautifully apparent as children from disparate ethnicities are painted in inspiring harmony. Reminding us of the power of a simple “thank you”, Grimes and Cabrera succeed in showing us the beauty of gratefulness.


Review Excerpts
Children’s Literature: “I think of books like this as enhancing basic life lessons—good for all of us.”
School Library Journal: “A lovely book for reflection and discussion.”
Kirkus Review: “One can envision this collection stimulating discussions about the need to say "thank you," as well as encouraging young writers to try their hand at expressing their thoughts in poetry. Good job.”

Connections
*Can be used to begin a discussion about thankfulness.
*Teachers can ask children to write a poem about something that they are thankful for.
*The wide representation of ethnicities makes this book a perfect addition to promote multiculturalism in the classroom.