Nadine Johnson, author of I Write Rhymes, believes that poetry can change the world. Her book follows the journey of a young boy named Moses who experiences racism for the first time, upon moving to a new school.
“It’s his journey through dealing with a lot of changes that are going on in his life, how he manages to work through those trials, and one of the ways is through poetry,” Johnson said. “So, he uses poetry to get through a lot of the challenges.
The novel is specifically for middle-grade students, and Johnson hopes that the book can be motivational for young people who are struggling to find their place in the world.
“I just hope that it’s a book for all ages. I’ve had adults that enjoy the book. It’s made for middle-grade, but it’s a book that everyone can learn from,” Johnson said. “You can learn how to treat kids, and kids can learn how to manage their emotions, manage how they see the world.”
Johnson is currently teaching eighth grade math and English Language Arts, and hopes to impress upon her readers that words have the power to change lives—and can be used to either tear down or build up children.
“The takeaway from this story is that what you say matters. And when you are in charge of young people’s lives, you really have to take it seriously, because one comment can change the trajectory of their lives,” Johnson said.
Johnson believes it is crucial to be a good role model for students, and strives to be a positive influence in their lives. Additionally, she understands that the younger generations of students are now facing challenges that the older generations may not have ever experienced at that age.
“I used to blame kids that [were] acting up, [but] when you become a teacher, you understand that they’re just trying to survive. They have a lot that they’re dealing with that I didn’t have to deal with at my age,” Johnson shared. “They’re just trying to survive in the world that we have created. And we have created a world that is somewhat of a mess right now.”
Ultimately, Johnson hopes that the positive environment she fosters in her classroom can act as a safe place for her students as they navigate their way through a complicated world.
“[I’m] just trying to get them to understand that we’re learning, and we’re all learning. And once they understand that, they will perform. But, I try not to pressure them in thinking that ‘you need to be perfect,’ Johnson said. “I pressure them in trying to do the best that they can do.”
See other books by Nadine Johnson here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Interviewed by Skirt intern Olivia Cyr. She is currently a senior at Wando High School and is always looking for ways to get involved with the Charleston community. She is a part of the school’s yearbook, the vice president of Wando’s National Honors Society, and a member of the AP Academy. Outside of school, she love volunteering down at IOP, reading in her spare time, and spending time with her dog.
