What is the author's style in Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes?

Bronx Masquerade is told from the first person point of view of all the major characters. Each section is dedicated to a character and that character continues their own story from a first person point of view. This perspective allows the reader to see what each character goes through in a deeply personal way. Also, all the characters are children of around 15 years of age. Thus, the perspective is a young one of teenagers who struggle with identity and are growing and developing. The perspective allows the readers into the characters' private thoughts, including what their identities are as opposed to what everyone else thinks. For example, Diondra is shy outwardly, but due to her first person point of view, the reader sees she is much more than that. She is an artist and a poet who struggles with her identity.

The only perspective the reader receives repeatedly is that of Tyrone. Tyrone is used as an authoritative perspective in the book because he comments on the other students' poetry readings. He confirms the student's identity and how the student reveals her/himself. For example, Raynard says he never reads in front of the class due to his dyslexia. The reader has no way of knowing this is true, but with Tyrone's first person point of view, he confirms Raynard does not read and everyone thinks he is stupid because of this. Tyrone is shocked by Raynard's great poem and says so. Thus, Tyrone confirms what the students think of each other.