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engpunk77's review
1.0
So this is my intro to Walter Dean Myers, who everyone recommends to middle schoolers. My son (7th grade) and I read the first two stories. Very urban setting, nothing we could relate to, and the stories were the type that just makes you wonder why we just read that. It's like a kid telling you the story of a shoot out in the neighborhood in great detail (without any better use of language than a kid on the street narrating over, say, a hot dog) and then he concludes describing how it culminated in a dead dog, a dead kid, and some scared cops, and you're like, "Well, that was refreshing." I guess Myers does at least try to show significance at the end of the stories that are a little deeper, but these really are issues that my white suburban kid isn't really interested in right now. Neither of us care to finish the collection.
boomeraang's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
"And that's how the whole block is, in a way. Yeah, you got some people who do ugly things, but I think, mostly, if they had a good chance they would be okay"
I'm a sucker for stories about communities that support and rally around each other during difficult times.
delz's review
5.0
Beautifully written short stories giving the flavor of Harlem at the time Walter Dean Myers was growing up there.
noelle_tofigh's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of short stories that take place within a couple of blocks in Harlem was beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, joyful, and sad. I was stunned and wish I had read this in high school because these stories, these characters get into your head. I find myself, months after reading this, remembering scenes and punch lines from this slim gem. This is going to be a book to give as a gift and a book to come back to.
bettyboop25's review against another edition
2.0
This book did not keep me interested at all but I think that maybe I am too old for this type of book.
debbiesbooknook's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great, honest, and well-written story collection for young readers. My daughter was reading it with her 8th grade English class and I decided to get myself a copy. She and I exchanged a few of our favorite stories and were able to have some great discussions as well as share our perspectives - definitely worth checking out!
jadegreen15's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this! The first few stories were a little slow but as it got into the deeper material, it got way more intriguing. I'm from a middle class suburb so it was really interesting to hear about Harlem, especially from an own-voices author who is considered a classic of YA fiction.
I would recommend this, but I'd definitely add that the writing seems suitable for younger ages (though the content can be somewhat mature). It was simple and straightforward so keep that in mind!
I would recommend this, but I'd definitely add that the writing seems suitable for younger ages (though the content can be somewhat mature). It was simple and straightforward so keep that in mind!
juliezantopoulos's review
4.0
This is a gritty collection of short stories centered around a block in Harlem and following many different people on the block. It was heartbreaking, heartwarming, eye opening, and raw.
truthinfiction's review
4.0
Teen book club read. Very interesting discussions. "The Streak" was a personal favorite. "Angela's Eyes" resulted in great visual art projects.
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