Garvey's Choice

Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

For anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood . . . 

Award-winning author Nikki Grimes’s beloved novel in verse Garvey’s Choice is now a graphic novel, imaginatively and dramatically illustrated by Little Shaq artist Theodore Taylor III. 

"...[Readers] will fall hard for Garvey, a tender, sincere boy who dislikes athletics. Grimes writes about adolescent friendships in a way that feels deeply human. A short, sweet, satisfying novel in verse that educators and readers alike will love." —School Library Journal, starred review of Garvey’s Choice

Garvey’s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey discovers his voice—and himself. He also finds a way to finally reach his distant father—by speaking the language of music.

Garvey’s Choice was a School Library Journal Best Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, and a Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book. With Theodore Taylor III’s full-color illustrations, this graphic novel edition is enthralling and inspiring.

About the Author

Nikki Grimes is the recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her books include the New York Times Best Seller Barack Obama and her multi-award-winning memoir in verse Ordinary Hazards. She won the Coretta Scott King Award for Bronx Masquerade and earned a Coretta Scott King Author Honor 5 times.

Author Residence: Corona, California

Theodore Taylor III is the illustrator of multiple children's books, including Shaquille O'Neal's Little Shaq series and When the Beat Was Born, for which he received the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award.

Illustrator Residence:Henrico, Virginia