Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

The setting and the dialogue took me to a place that I am not familiar with.   In addition, the characters change with each chapter and, in between, is a poem by that character that you've been introduced to.  Poetry is not my favorite to read.  None of this is bad it just made it harder for me to get started with this book ... but it was definitely worth it.

The story takes place in a Bronx high school in an English class that introduces kids to poetry.  But it's way more than that as you'll come to see each person learn that there is way more behind their classmates "masks" and that we all pretend to be someone we aren't, especially in the tough high school years.  As the kids get a better appreciation of who the kids around them are, they learn about themselves and their dreams and that they just may be able to reach them.

Stick with it to the end!