One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes is a poetry collection that pairs classic Harlem Renaissance poems with new “Golden Shovel” responses. Each contemporary poem uses a line from the original as a spine, weaving in modern voices and themes around identity, resilience, and Black history. Rich illustrations and author notes deepen the reading experience, making the book suitable for upper-elementary through high school discussions. Parents and teachers appreciate how it bridges past and present, offering an accessible way to explore form, intertextuality, and race in America. It works beautifully as a read-aloud, mentor text for writing, or anchor for a mini-unit on the Harlem Renaissance.