A group of inner-city teens grapple with violence, poverty, and their dreams in Harlem.
Author
Walter Dean Myers
43 books in the catalog
Walter Dean Myers has 43 books in our catalog of Christian parent reviews, mostly realistic fiction, coming-of-age and social issues. The titles we've reviewed span 1972 to 2014.
Recommended for readers roughly ages 9–18, based on our reviewers' age guidance.
Parents most often flag violence — see each review below for specifics.
A young man from a disadvantaged background recounts his experiences with crime, the justice system, and his struggle for survival.
A young Black boy navigates the challenges of growing up in Harlem, dealing with family issues and finding his place in the world.
A young man named Walter navigates the challenges of growing up in Harlem, dealing with family, friends, and his future.
Meg and her friends investigate a mysterious stairway in a witch's house, encountering magical and spooky elements.
A young man named Raymie struggles with drug addiction and its devastating impact on his life and relationships.
A young Black teenager named Marcus gets caught up in a riot and grapples with anger and injustice.
A talented young basketball player navigates the challenges of his sport and life in Harlem.
A young African American soldier experiences the realities of the Vietnam War.
A group of teenagers from different backgrounds in Harlem grapple with their dreams, challenges, and the realities of their lives.
In the harsh environment of Harlem, a young poet named Marcus navigates love, loss, and the struggle for survival amidst gang violence.
The novel follows the life of a young Black boy named Jazz growing up in Harlem, experiencing music, family, and societal challenges.
A teenage boy named Marcus grapples with the death of his older brother and the mysteries surrounding it.
A high school student named Marcus grapples with the aftermath of a school shooting he witnessed.
A teenage boy named Steve, struggling with his identity and anger, finds himself in a juvenile detention center and must confront his past.
A young Black boy named Walter navigates the challenges of growing up in Harlem, seeking his place in the world.
This handbook offers advice and encouragement to young men navigating adolescence and preparing for adulthood.
This journal chronicles the experiences of a young Black boy playing baseball in the Negro Leagues.
A young boy named Del is recruited into a gang and faces the harsh realities of street life.
A collection of short stories set in a Harlem neighborhood, exploring the lives and experiences of its diverse teenage residents.
Walter Dean Myers' "The blues of Flats Brown" tells the story of a young Black boy in Harlem who finds solace and expression through playing the blues music.
Steve Harmon, a teenage boy, faces a murder trial and recounts his experiences in jail. He grapples with his potential guilt and the justice system.
A young Black teenager in Harlem during the 1960s navigates racism, poverty, and his own identity.
A young Black boy named Joshua Loper navigates the challenges of growing up in Harlem during the late 20th century.
Greg, a young man from Harlem, navigates the challenges of poverty, gang violence, and finding his place through basketball.
A young protagonist navigates complex societal structures and personal growth.
Darnell Rock, a young Black teenager, navigates life in Harlem, dealing with family issues, school, and his own identity.
A teenage boy named Michael is sent to live with his estranged father and confronts a dark secret in their town.
This historical novel follows the lives of Black sharecroppers in the South during the 1930s, focusing on the challenges and resilience of the Logan family.
A young boy named Artemis Bonner seeks revenge for his father's death in a historical setting.
A group of inner-city kids forms a karate club and faces challenges from rival gangs.
A young boy named Walter Dean Myers tells a story about his life and experiences.
A young boy named Carlito navigates the harsh realities of gang life in Harlem, seeking a way out.
A young boy named Mop navigates life in Harlem, dealing with family issues and forming a friendship with a new girl.
Crystal, a young Black girl, struggles with poverty, abuse, and finding her place in a harsh urban environment.
A talented but troubled basketball player from Harlem gets a second chance at a scholarship.
Didi, a young girl in Harlem, navigates her dreams and the realities of her neighborhood.
This collection of tales delves into the legacy and impact of a deceased ruler.
A young protagonist navigates the challenges of urban life and the justice system.
A young boy named Earl is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in a small town, where he encounters new experiences and friendships.
A talented but troubled basketball player named Hoops navigates the challenges of adolescence, sports, and his community in Harlem.
This novel follows a young Black boy growing up in Harlem during the 1960s, detailing his struggles with poverty, family, and finding his place.
This is a retelling of a folktale where a dragon falls in love with and marries a human woman, exploring their unusual relationship and the reactions of others.
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