BAD BOY: A MEMOIR by Walter Dean Myers

African American, Coming of Age, Racism, Family, Courage, Harlem Renaissance, Memoir

From the Publisher

In a memoir that is gripping, funny, and ultimately unforgettable, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers travels back to his roots in the magical world of Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s. Here is the story of one of the most distinguished writers of young people's literature today.

As a boy, Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously--he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer.

But while growing up in a poor family in Harlem, his hope for a successful future diminished as he came to realize fully the class and racial struggles that surrounded him. He began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and to his books for comfort.

My Comments

I disagree with the publisher's description as 'funny,' but it is definitely a powerful story set during the Harlem Renaissance period in New York City. Myers relates tales of terrible prejudice and despair as he begins to understand that despite being bright and going to an excellent school, his prospects are limited because of his race. This would be especially relevant to classes studying U.S. History, the Harlem Renaissance, prejudice, and civil rights. An incredibly powerful story that lends itself to discussion.