African American Poetry

Come Sunday

Written by: Nikki Grimes

Illustrated by: Michael Bryant

Grimes, Nikki. 1996. Come Sunday. Ill. by Michael Bryant. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

ISBN: 0-8028-5108-8

Summary/Review: The book titled Come Sunday tells the story of a young African American girl named LaTasha and her experiences on Sunday. The book is full of poems, and it starts with LaTasha's day when she is woken up by her mother telling her to get ready to go the Paradise Baptist Church for Sunday services. Grimes goes on to explain the things LaTasha experiences once she arrives at church. These experiences include running into blue-haired ladies, ladies' hats, and her mother's white gloves she wears every Sunday. Other poems in the book are devoted to the happenings LaTasha has during the church service. Coming into the service, worship, baptism, and the alter are the types of things LaTasha experiences while in church service. Other poems are about Sunday School, church supper, and Sunday afternoons. The last poem describes LaTasha going home.

Grimes' poetry is heart-felt, and helps students read and learn about another child's experiences. Some children may relate the the story being told through poetry while others may not. No matter the before experiences students can read this book and understand that poetry can be written about anything. Some of the poetry has a certain beat or meter to it, while others have more of a free verse style. Michael Bryant illustrates the book with beautiful water color paintings, that allow the reader who has not been to church understand what is going on. Come Sunday is a good book to read to students to help them understand about family and the traditions or rituals they do together.

Come Sunday

Come Sunday, Mommy wakes me up with whispers.

LaTasha, honey, she says to me.

Time to shed dawn's cozy quilt.

Come on, Sweet Pea. Open up those eyes.

I rise and wander to the kitchen,

where Mommy makes my hair and scalp

tingle with oil and comb and brush.

If only she din't weave the braids so tight.

I fight to keep from squirming ' round

until the braiding's finally done,

'cause once I'm dressed, I look so nice,

I practically run to Paradise-

to Paradise Baptist Church.

Activity: After reading this poem to students have them think about the traditions or places they go with their family. It could be holidays, church services, vacation spots, or maybe it is a place or event they go with their family fairly often. Allow students to share with the rest of the class. Then have students write a poem about their family experiences just like Nikki Grimes did about LaTasha in Come Sunday.