Harlem

by Walter Dean Myers, Christopher Myers (Illustrator), Elizabeth Loftus (Photographer)

Harlem was a place where a man didn't have to know his place simply because he was black. Cassette read by Puff Daddy.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, African American, Cultural, Nonfiction, History

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

pseudonyms:
Stacie Williams
Stacie Johnson

Walter Dean Myers was born on August 12, 1937 in Martinsburg, West Virginia but moved to Harlem with his foster parents at age three. He was brought up and went to public school there. He attended Stuyvesant High School until the age of seventeen when he joined the army.

After serving four years in the army, he worked at various jobs and earned a BA from Empire State College. He wrote full time after 1977.

Walter wrote from childhood, first finding success in 1969 when he won the Council on Interracial Books for Children contest, which resulted in the publication of his first book for children, Where Does the Day Go?, by Parent's Magazine Press. He published over seventy books for children and young adults. He received many awards for his work in this field including the Coretta Scott King Award, five times. Two of his books were awarded Newbery Honors. He was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Virginia Hamilton Award. For one of his books, Monster, he received the first Michael Printz Award for Young Adult literature awarded by the American Library Association. Monster and Autobiography of My Dead Brother were selected as National Book Award Finalists.

In addition to the publication of his books, Walter contributed to educational and literary publications. He visited schools to speak to children, teachers, librarians, and parents. For three years he led a writing workshop for children in a school in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Walter Dean Myers was married, had three grown children and lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. He died on July 1, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 76 years old.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the artwork in this book. Everything cobbled together feeling like motion and life. Each page has a poem on it; an ode to Harlem and what it meant to its people. It’s a place of freedom where people of color can feel equal and have a chance. It’s an idea for certain. This blend of poetry and art together make for a very powerful idea.

The niece thought this was good. She enjoyed the verse and was curious about this place. She gave it 3 stars. The nephew didn’t get into this story. He doesn’t have a whole lot of patience and he said this was at least a fast story, but still boring. He gave it 2 stars.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text Summary
Harlem: “A promise of a better life... A place where a man didn’t have to know his place simply because he was black.” Those who came to Harlem brought with them a song, first heard in the villages of Ghana and Senegal, and now left flowing through this city: “a new sound, raucous and sassy.” Religion, music, and art fill the souls of the people of this city as they hope, and pray, and sing, and paint, and write. The voices of Langston, Countee, Du Bois, and Baldwin shape this city. And on the streets you can see “a carnival of children, stickball heroes, hide-and-seek knights and ladies, waiting to sing their own sweet songs, living out their own slam dunk dreams, listening for the coming of the blues.” Barbecues, fried fish joints, Sunday Night Gospel, collard greens... A collective “sound, a celebration, memories of feelings, a place”... A journey that has not ended: Harlem.

Literary Merits
Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers fill this book with the sounds, sights, and spirit of those who came to Harlem. Walter Dean Myers weaves history and culture into the language of his poetry. Alliteration, simile, imagery, and rhyme are just a few of the poetic devices used in this text to enhance the reader’s experience. Myers uses onomatopoeia to bring the sounds of Harlem to the reader: The uptown A rattles past 110th Street....” he uses personification show that even the wind must take notice of this captivating city: “In Harlem the wind doesn’t blow past Smalls, it stops to listen to the sounds.” Supporting Myers’ poem is the artwork of Christopher Myers, Walter Dean Myers’ son. Through collage art, Christopher Myers depicts the everyday life of the people of Harlem: a young man shooting a jump shot on a basketball court, kids playing in the water springing from a fire hydrant, an old woman daydreaming out of her window, two young people sitting at a bus stop, a woman fixing her daughter’s hair, and ending, powerfully, with the street sign of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard.

Classroom Recommendations
Grades 5 and up. The many examples of allusion that Walter Dean Myers uses in this book would require a decent amount of background knowledge for students to understand and feel the impact of this text. An interesting way to go about covering some of this background knowledge is for teachers to have students carry out a sort of research project. For example, the students can each pick one historical or cultural reference to research and create a poster, or a PowerPoint, or some type of visual to share with the class. It can even turn into a group project because there are multiple examples of these references (e.g. “places referenced” Ghana, Senegal, Mali ; “athletes referenced “Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray”; “writers referenced” Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, James Baldwin”, etc.). PBS has some great resources for students to check out about the Harlem Renaissance.

[Rfrancik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the Coretta Scott King award as well as the Caldecott, Harlem is a potent description of the Black American experience in this country. Students may not recognize the powerful prose as poetry but the word rhythms sing evoking strong emotional pictures.

Myer's distinctive voice is supported and highlighted by the vivid and energetic pictures of Christopher Myers. Recomended for students K-8 this book is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to share superb literature with their students. Filled with historical names and events children will benefit by reading this book with an adult who can explain the significance of the names and places enumerated throughout these evocative pages.

"Harlem" provides a jumping off point for discussing the immigration experience in America and the policy decisions we make as a country that directly impact our citizens. "Liberty and Justice for all?"

Reviews:

1) Booklist starred (Vol. 93, No. 12 (February 15, 1997)) recommends this book for Young adults. They are expecially taken with the artwork describing its color as "loud enough to be heard". They remark the father is looking back at the black experience through his text as the son looks forward with his glorious pictures. This point had escaped me and made me re-read the book with a new appreciation.

2) Kirkus Review starred (1996)
Comments on the jazz feel of the text. Kirkus is highly complimentary and recommends it be put in the Jazz section of the library. They don't restrict their recommendation to YAs.

Both of these reviews are useful especially Booklist which pointed out the differing viewpoints.

[Brynaleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 9 y/o foster son the second night he was with us. He loved it - The poetry is great, there are always new things to explain (like who some of the historical figures are that are talked about in the poem). He loves looking at the pictures and listening to the cadence of the poem. The poem can be used, if you want to, as an opening to bring up various Black history topics. Or it can just be read and enjoyed for its rhythm and beautiful illustrations. My kid is a light-skinned mixed-race Black boy from a dark-skinned family and feels really insecure about his light skin. As we read this book, we started to point out the various skin tones of the Black people portrayed in the beautiful illustrations. He started to notice that there were people even lighter than him, or families where members have different skin tones from each other, and they were still Black. This was really helpful to him, and might be for other kids dealing with similar issues or who want to see that there is vast diversity of looks and body types within the African-American community.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four star rating is not a personal reaction because this poem speaks of things so far outside my personal experience that there are many lines I don't really comprehend. Nevertheless I am glad it was written for those whose experience it mirrors or explains and for those, like me, that can get a little window into other experiences. The illustrations are impressive.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful, strong, imposing illustrations depict both the beauty and the ugliness of Harlem, the joy and sadness, the strengths and weaknesses.

[Phil J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of evocative sections, sections you need background knowledge for, and sections that didn't make a lot of sense to me. Great illustrations.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary/Thoughtful Reflection:
This book would best be used with upper elementary/middle school students. It's illustrations, for which it won a Caldecott Honor Award, are beautifully constructed with torn paper. It is amazing how the illustrator, Christopher Myers, created such intricate images of people, depicting their detailed facial features and expressive emotions. I personally read this text online (http://www.childrenslibrary.org/icdl/...) at the International Children's Digital Library, and felt that much of his detail and creativity was lost through the computer screen's images. The poem itself was descriptive, however, required picture support for complete understanding. Sadly, I feel much of this was lost by reading it online. I do believe these illustrations are unbelievably done, however, I was not able to see them as clearly had I had the actual book in my hands. I recommend hands-on text for Harlem

[DeAndra Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary

This was a fun book that introduced us to the culture of Harlem. We get a glimpse of Harlem life, art, music and literature in a fun way .

Evaluation
This was a beautiful book with really awesome illustrations and I see why it won the Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King award.

Teaching Points
I would use this book to talk about different types of poetry. When students hear the word “poetry”, most students think that it has to rhyme. This would be a cool book to show how there are different types of poetry. I would also use this book as a chance to discuss the African American historical figures mentioned within the story.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful poem rich in cultural allusions and history. The collage illustrations by Christopher Myers (son of Walter Dean Myers) are very inspiring for my own collage work. What a gift we have in this father son piece of art.

This may be difficult poem for younger readers to follow due to advanced vocabulary and historical knowledge demands. That said, a skillful read aloud by a proficient reader capturing its musicality and rhythm could make it a musical experience to be appreciated by all.

Used: 29 (Borrowed from UWM childcare center)

[Delaney Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: poetry
Grade range: 2-4
The way this poet tells the story is so creative. It is hard to tell whether it is poetry because there isn’t really rhyme or rhythm, but the imagery is obviously a part of poetry. I felt like I was a part of this story as I read. I felt a part of their way of life and a part of the struggle. I felt the emotions through the poets descriptions. It helped create a clear view into another way of life.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlem is a poem written by Walter Dean Myers that is illustrated by his son Christopher Myers and is the winner of a Coretta Scott King Award and Caldecott Honor Award in 1997. I found the book on a School Library Journal website when searching for poetry that is award winning but also diverse. I listened to this story read aloud by Puff Daddy through scholastic. It had sounds effects including train tracks and singing that made the poem come to life. The illustrations I did view were bold, collage type mixed with oil paintings. The illustrations could be studied along with the verse because it could seen as taking on different meanings. The complexity of the poems would be appropriate for ages 10 and up. It is recommended as more of a young adult book because it is higher level reading and each verse can be examined and studies along with the illustrations at a junior high and above level. It tells about the cultural significance of African Americans in Harlem. It describes the everyday life in Harlem and also the musical significance. It could be used as a study of the cultural history in Harlem and the roots of famous African American musicians, writers, and artists.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry put to collage art.
Gorgeous.

[Jaci Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Caldecott honor book. Its poetry written about living in Harlem and looking for a better life. The African American people's dreams of a better future while they encounter the ups and downs of life never giving up on their dreams. It references African American History as well as authors, musicians, leaders, all by name but only first name so a younger child may not understand the reference. Good for ages 8-young adult Text set-African American History, culture, poetry.

[Ellie Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for the later elementary grades more specifically 5th grade. This is a poem that goes throughout the whole picture book about how Harlem came to be and what it was like living there in the past. It talks a lot about African American history in New York, more specifically Harlem. It dives into Harlem's art, literature, music, and peoples every day lives. There is also a ton of great vocabulary that you could dive into as a class as well as a lot of figurative language. I think this would be a great book to use while you are teaching about black world history month!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was a great choice for older readers to be able to follow along with interesting pictures. Dean Myers goes though different parts of Harlem and describes different scenes you would witness in Harlem. I think that the author gives detail in his poetry about how Harlem feels to people who have come from all over. For example, "A chorus of summer herbs, of mangoes and bar-b-que, of perfumed sisters, hip strutting past fried fish joints on, Lenox Avenue in steamy August." I could see Dean Myers words come into life in my imagination. They way he uses the combination of words to portray the scenes of real life places in Harlem gives the reader information what it would be like to live there.
I think that this book would be to share with older students before starting a unit on Harlem. Also this book could be used when discussing different cultures and music influences that came out of Harlem. This book gives an accurate view on how you would find many different types of people in Harlem.
The cover of this book makes me want to pick it up from the shelves because it is so different from all the other books. I think this helps to make readers want to find out what the book is about. The illustrations add much to the poetry of this book by enhancing the meaning of the words to help visualize for students. Christopher Myers did a great job on using pictures to build his illustrations and received a Caldecott Medal for his efforts. The way Myers placed paper and pictures on top of each other produced a unique illustration to grab the reader's attention. I think that these illustrations enhance the book and do not take away from the meaning of the book. This is important because the true meaning is about Harlem. I think that the method of creating the illustrations would capture the reader's attention by trying to see if they could figure out how Myers created his work.
I believe that this book would be best read individually by the student so they could examine the illustrations for a longer period of time. If there was a younger set of children, I think this book would be best read in small groups to prompt a discussion about the poetry and life in Harlem.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlem, by Walter Dean Myers, has a cadence to it that makes the reader want to close his eyes and just listen to the smooth rhythm of the words. The rhythm of of the poem adds so much to the poem, but the words are also extremely educational. Myers alludes to so many people and historical events, that this poem could be read and students could read and then pick a portion to do a research assignment. After reading them poem, Harlem becomes more real, and made me want to visit, and reminded me of how I see it depicted in so many movies.

Even though the words and rhythm are amazing. Do not give into temptation and close your eyes because you would be missing another story that is told through the pictures. Christopher Myers uses a combination of ink, gouache and collage. The colors are very vibrant by using many deep colors. While the pictures go with the text, they also go places that the text does not, which helps the reader learn even more about Harlem.

I would recommend this book to upper elementary through about tenth grade. Students at many different ages would be able to appreciate this book on many different levels. At the simplest level this book can be read as a poem, or looked at for the pictures. On a higher level, students can take this poem to help propel them into doing more research, and the pictures can be analyzed for all of their minute details. It is obvious why this book why both the Coretta Scott King award and the Caldecott Honor.

[Mary Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter Dean Myer's poem conveys the history and culture of Harlem with Caldecott Honor winning collage art by his son Christopher Myers. The poem begins describing Harlem as a place where people have migrated hoping for opportunity where "a man didn't have to know his place simply because he was black." The pictures and words together evoke a strong sense of community and place.

This book helps us imagine and appreciate the colors, music, food, and crowds of Harlem. Having grown up as the son of a janitor in Harlem, Walter Dean Myers' prose provides snapshots and perspective as if the reader is visiting the town for the first time with someone who knows his way around. Now as an acclaimed author of over 100 books, Myers brings both reality and nostalgia to his writing.

Young adults will appreciate the vivid color and description. The collages are visual poetry using shape and color to focus attention giving the reader a sense of being there on the streets and in homes. There is no artistic separation between the words and art, both working together as one entity in this book to take us to Harlem.

Teachers from 4-12th grade can use this book well in creating historical context. The poem mentions Du Bois, the Cotton Club, Langston Hughes, and African origins. Helping students connect with the many cultural references will build appreciation for Harlem.

This book will be an important addition to any school library.

[CH13_Lisa Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlem: A Poem is a picture book that is a free verse format, which does not follow a rhyme scheme or pattern give the readers a glimpse into Harlem’s past and present with references of famous African American such as Joe Louis, Sugar Ray, DuBois, and Langston Hughes. “Harlem” also has references to famous places and streets in Harlem like the Cotton Club, Lenox Avenue and 110th street.

The illustration on each page are collages of small pieces of paper, hand drawing and photographs that has been put together to create the wonderful colorful illustration that bring the text to life of each page.

This is a great poetry book to use with older children to have discussion on the history of Harlem and with young children to give them a glimpse into Harlem history. I would suggest that students be provided with some information on the people and places in the book before introducing them to the book itself. If children have no background knowledge on some of the famous people or events from the book, the book may leave the children with lots of questions.

Harlem: A Poem won the following awards: Caldecott Honor Book, 1998; Coretta Scott King Award; Selected title of the White Ravens, 1998; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Fiction Honor, 1997.

[Karrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork in Walter Dean Myers book, Harlem: A Poem, is rich in color, feeling and expression. Each page is a beautiful depiction of life in Harlem showing everyday life, yet telling the story of the remarkable people who came from there during Harlem's heyday. From the streets came Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Langston Huges, Count Basie, W.E.B. DeBois, just to name a few. Harlem is a place rich in Black history, where religion was important and music was a guiding force.

The strength of this book is definitely the pictures, which is why it was a Caldecott Honor book. The story, in verse form, was sometimes difficult to follow. I got the feeling that Myers was being deliberately obtuse in an effort to be poetic. I didn't get it. Because the verse is difficult to sort through, this book is more appropriate for an older audience; children who are younger than 7th grade will probably struggle to understand it without heavy interpretation from a teacher or parent.

In my opinion, the strength of this book are the illustrations, and not the verse.

[Dawn Keys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walter Dean Myers does an excellent job portraying Harlem in this free verse poem. His son, Christopher Myers, adds brilliant and bold illustrations. This book won the Caldecott honor as well as the Coretta Scott King award. It is geared for an older audience of children. It would be appropriate for grades 6 through 12.

I love the language of the poem and how it celebrates the rich culture of Harlem. Myers describes the importance of many famous places like the Cotton Club and Apollo Theater. He also includes important people to the African American community. I like the line, "A weary blues that Langston knew". Myers has a way with words and brings life and music to the Harlem community.

This would be a great poem for middle school or high school students to break down and understand what the author is trying to say. It could be tied into literature and history classes. The illustrations of this book are something else that makes it really special and could be studied in an art class.

[Hanna Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Harlem by Meyers, takes a deeper look in the effects the urban community of Harlem has had on the African American culture. His poem and illustrations represent a visual picture for the audience to have a better understanding of the African Americans.
Evaluation: Personally, I enjoyed this book and found that the illustrations were so vivid, I felt as if I was in the community. It is also written in a way that is unbiased and shows a pretty accurate representation of the hardships that were faced during the time period.
Teaching idea: I would use this in my classroom to have my students take a look into the different forms of poetry. Also, I would use this for children to look at how to describe their lives and the way their culture has made them who they are. I think this book is an essential item to have in the classroom library so, it creates a safe zone for the diverse student body.

[Gillian Getlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Harlem is weaved in the style of poetry. The poet detail life in Harlem, from everyday, to jobs, to shared African roots. This poem takes you through the feelings, emotions, and desires of one who resides in Harlem.

This book is really cool. The style of poetry is varies, with illustrations paired to exemplify the emotions and ideas of the text. I love the book, as it gives an intimate perspective of African-Americans in Harlem.

I would connect this book to Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. Grace wants to audition for Peter Pan, but those around her sneer that she's a girl and is black and Peter Pan is neither. But Grace proves them wrong, and is cast as Peter Pan and is incredible in the part! Grace proves to those around her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to, which connects back to Harlem.

"Harlem was a promise
Of a better life, of a place where a man didn't
Have to know his place
Simply because he was
Black"

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part poetry, part picture book, Harlem by Walter Dean Myers presents the multifaceted history of Black America’s Harlem—its music, art, and people. Filled with sounds, sights, and spirits, Myers weaves his poetics into a snapshot of black love and black wealth throughout Harlem’s rich history. The winner of the Coretta Scott King award, as well as a Caldecott, and featuring vividly painted illustrations by the author’s son, Harlem combines a plethora of literary devices and historic events to continue the conversation of whether there truly is “liberty and justice for all” in contemporary America. Harlem is therefore an excellent examination of family and community in black culture. Recommended.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry, Multicultural
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award

Summary:
This poem is written and illustrated by a father-son duo. The poem and remarkable illustrations depict a community and way of life. It has many cultural references mentioned throughout.

Evaluation:
I enjoyed the imagery used, however, I struggled with the poem itself. I am not familiar with the aspects that were mentioned throughout, but others may better understand these references.

Teaching Ideas:
Teaching about other cultures, especially African American heritage.

[Renee Doucette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book's illustrations are a stunning blend of painting and collage. Myers' poem about Harlem
is complex and because of that, this book would be more appropriate for advanced young readers or even middle school students. I could imagine students writing their own odes to a place they love.

[Miss Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

GR Level: R

NOT AVAILABLE

I suppose if I knew more about African American history I would enjoy this book back. It talks about Harlem and Black Americans that have had an influence in history.

[Katterley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Children's Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gloomy. 3.5 stars.

This is a gloomy, sad and serious portrait of Harlem.

I like poetry and collage in general but this picture book was somehow disappointing.

Poetry is not easily digestible in this volume, which is ok if you plan to read it with young adults. I'm a white adult and I don't understand parts of it.

I like the art style, but the scenes depicted are devoid of joy. Nobody smiles, nobody laughs, nobody dances, nobody is happy, not even people playing instruments or singing in church seem happy. Also, the art is more like portraits of people and not illustrations. most people are just standing or sitting and not doing anything, it comes across as apathetic.

The poem uses the word "celebration" at some point, but we don't see it in art. At some point though the words, "a fleet of funeral cars" are illustrated with a glimpse of men carrying a casket. It is a very melancholy book, quite depressing, no joie de vivre and the beauty of black bodies and the culture of finding things to be smiling about don't come across. I think the book shows very one-sided images of black culture. Gloom and doom and no joy.

Also, I don't think art helps enough to illustrate the poem or to help with the understanding, and the poem is not easy to understand; at least parts of it are not easy.

Should you read it/look at it? Sure, go ahead. It's not a bad book, but it could be better.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poem provided warm sense of unity within a community called Harlem. The poem takes us on a "train ride" through the history of Harlem, and also the present. The poetry paints a picture of a community of black people who migrated to Harlem from different parts of the country, searching for a better life. Harlem was a place of freedom and equality. This community is unified through struggles of discrimination they have faced and still face today. They celebrate their unity through music, art, religion, food, and history together. The poem mentions historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Langston Hughs, who both made an impact in the Civil Rights movement. Their culture is beautifully represented through the illustrations and the words. Christoper Myer, the illustrator, brought a uniqueness to the pictures with what looks like, torn up pieces of images put together. I really enjoyed that aspect. The images also brought us a sense of emotion of the illustrated people living in Harlem. Emotions of sadness, anger, strength, content, etc. The only reason I rated it a 4 rather than a 5 was because I didn't have the background knowledge to understand some of the references. That left me a little lost a few times. I would recommend sharing this title with late elementary students or middle school students.