HERE IN HARLEM

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. HERE IN HARLEM. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0-8234-1853-7

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Walter Dean Myers has combined many poems written in different styles and rhythms to portray the many different types of personalities from his home town of Harlem. These poems connect to form a foundation and concrete vision of what it is like in Harlem during this time period he tells a story through verse and passionate portrayals. Myers’ style is based off of a book by Edgar Lee Masters entitled SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGIES in which Masters’ also shares the stories of different individuals to create a single work.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

From the cover on the book to the thick heavy pages, Myers creates a physical appearance with his work that is reminiscent of a photo album or scrap book. There are photographs of different periods and generations that show the passing of time and create a sense of community members being present with you as you explore the world that is Harlem.

In these poems the different characters speak out about their experiences, memories, feelings, and dreams with passion and soul. Each poem reflects the personality of the teller and builds up their character in dramatic and moving ways. From the chorus of the Party Girl “Oh, swing that swing, Sing the song you need to sing” to Clara Brown’s Testimony “I told him not to worry. Harlem has been worse off, and it’s been better.” These portrayals build and collide to leave you breathless at the end.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The rich and exciting text will give readers a flavor of the multiplicity of times and peoples of Harlem, and the more than 50 voices will stay with them”

BOOKLIST review: “Some of the individual poems are exceptionally strong and memorable. Collectively, they offer a colorful and warmly personal portrayal of Harlem.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Using a poem book such as this in a literature class would be a way to introduce young adult readers to a different style of poetry that expresses the essence of a life lived.

*Other engaging books of similar style:

Masters, Edgar Lee. SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGIES. ISBN 978-0-14-310515-2

Myers, Walter Dean. HARLEM. ISBN 978-0590543408