At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter

by Nikki Grimes, David Frampton (Illustrator)

I angle for
a glimpse of him
whose touch unlocks
a blind man's sight,
a deaf man's hearing. A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilate's wife fears her husband's decision. Beginning with Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it.

The author's introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and David Frampton's beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts illuminate each poem.  At Jerusalem's Gate  offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Ella Edelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize this was a children’s book until I picked up my hold from the library, but I loved it nonetheless. The poems are simple and profound, and I appreciated the way Grimes provokes young and old readers to wonder and ask questions of the story of Easter.

Also the woodcut illustrations are amazing!!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a very poetic person, but have been trying to expose myself to more poetry and found this amazing Passion Week poetry book with soul-stirring poems and impressive wood-cut art. Definitely will read this again next year

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our second year reading one of these poems each day during Lent. I like the gorgeous woodcut illustrations and the way the simple poems present this too-familiar story in a fresh, thought-provoking way.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m familiar with Nikki Grimes’ poetry from her work that she’s done for children and youth (I’m a middle school teacher). This, however, despite its format, glossy pictures, and dedication to “the children of the world,” is not a children’s book. This book is a collection poems about Easter, but mostly about the Passion itself.

After reading some rave reviews about this collection, I had high expectations. I was a bit disappointed with the poems themselves. The lyrical poems just seem to narrate the events of Holy Week. Grimes says that there are more questions than answers in the Holy Week narrative, but she doesn’t really seem to delve deep into those questions. There’s not really much imagination or depth (with a few exceptions-I really liked a poem where the speaker is the cross, asking Jesus for forgiveness).

The reason this book gets three stars instead of two is the woodcuts by David Frampton. These glossy, colorful illustrations are just stunning. I can’t imagine reading the poem collection without the woodcuts.

[Katrina Tangen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the woodcut illustrations. I was worried they might be all brown and severe, but they're not at all. Most of David Frampton's other work seems to be out of print, which is too bad, because I would definitely buy more books just because they were illustrated by him.

I liked the poetry, but didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Partially, that's the fault of the super-enthusiastic review that led me to the book and over-inflated my expectations. But I did like some of them a lot and the rest have been growing on me. Be warned that one is all about Jesus being beaten--so definitely for older kids (which is what it is advertised as, but it would be easy to miss that since it's a picture book). Also, the poems are really about Holy Week, not Easter--only two Resurrection ones--so not a cheery Easter basket kind of book.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of the book would perhaps be more accurately rendered, At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Good Friday. Of the 2o+ poems, 18 focus on the events of Good Friday.

From a purely poetic standpoint, they aren't my favorite poems. But they do retell the events of surrounding the crucifixion in ways that make you think, that allow you to imagine yourself there. I look forward to reading them during Holy Week with my girls in future years.

[Lea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful way to tell the story of Easter.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woodcut illustrations plus poems about Holy Week. Thought about whether any would be good for Holy Week services and I'm just not sure.

[Mary Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book of poems and woodcut prints brought tears to my eyes!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holy week brough to life; told in verse from varying perspectives. Lovely.

[Judah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instead of the general poems of Easter the title suggests (though those are present as well), Grimes asks questions about the mysteries of the biblical accounts of the Easter story.

Unfortunately, these seem to be done from a confusingly odd angle (what did Pilot's wife dream? We'll never know! ----except obviously she had some sort of premonition of warning, hence she warned her husband of Christ's innocence). Oddly, and most uncomfortably, Christ's divinity is only mentioned outright once and vaguely flittered about otherwise as if he reader is already deeply familiar with this fact. More alarming is the random assumptions that Grimes takes, her poem about Mary mother of Jesus' feelings at the cross sound bitter and vengeful against God (The Bible does not support this, and suggests that Mary had long surrendered his son to God's will). Simon of Cyrene is automatically assumed to be the father of Rufus and Alexander and a disciple of Christ (Mark makes this distinction, but doesn't explain it. Paul later makes reference to a Rufus, but scripture isn't clear on if it's the same person or not. Simon is also not identified as a disciple by the gospels, though we might believe he became one after his participation in carrying the cross, no definite smoking guns here).
The poems were decent, but I didn't really care for any.
Thankfully the last page includes scriptural reference for each poem as well as some minor comments to explain certain aspects.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book says it is "for Young Readers," but it can cut to the heart for readers of any age. The beautiful woodcuts and thought-provoking poems combine to tell the story of the characters and happenings of Passion week in meaningful ways.

From Communion:
"'This is my body broken for you. This is my blood poured out too. Do this in remembrance of me - Eat. Drink. Live.'"

From Gathering:
"'Yes! Yes!' breathes Caiaphas, a mongrel smelling blood. 'Tell me. Are you the son of God?'
He licks his lips, hangs the question like a noose.

Jesus slips it on. 'You say that I am.'

'Blasphemy! Blasphemy!' we shout.
And yet, doubt nibbles at my ear. Who is this man, really? And what are we doing here?

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a poet, I love incorporating poetry into my reading with my boys whenever I can. This book is very beautifully written and helps the reader see Christ's crucifixion from various perspectives. I highly recommend it.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

the art looks like it is stained glass or from a book of hours.

the poems are by nikki grimes, so you know they'll be among the best you read. the one thing i wish is that she had spent more time on sunday.

[Leaflet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple poems accompanied by the bold woodcuts of David Frampton. A gorgeous book perfect for Lent and Easter.