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145th Street: Short Stories
A salty, wrenchingly honest collection of stories set on one block of 145th Street. We get to know the oldest resident; the cop on the beat; fine Peaches and her girl, Squeezie; Monkeyman; and Benny, a fighter on the way to a knockout. We meet Angela, who starts having prophetic dreams after her father is killed; Kitty, whose love for Mack pulls him back from the brink; and Big Joe, who wants a bang-up funeral while he's still around to enjoy it. Some of these stories are private, and some are the ones behind the headlines. In each one, characters jump off the page and pull readers right into the mix on 1-4-5.
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
136 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Walter Dean Myers
232 books1,183 followerspseudonyms:
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
October 4, 2025
One of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. They're all great, but Kitty and Mack may be my favorite. I'm a sucker for a love story.
October 28, 2008
Award-Winning author Walter Dean Myers offers a multi-faceted view of urban life in this collection of ten loosely-connected stories, all of which take place in Harlem. These stories are very short but feel lived-in and complete, and Myers writes convincingly from many perspectives and in many different voices. Though slang is sprinkled throughout the book, it is neither distracting nor offensive and helps create believable and sympathetic characters in a fairly brief amount of space, bringing the culture and concerns of a predominantly African-American community to rich life.
While roughly half of the stories here feature some sort of violence, that violence is not what Myers is interested in. Rather, he wants to show us how individuals find the strength to respond to the violence in their lives, and how community serves as a source for that strength. There are intense moments, but Myers leavens his stories with nobility, humanity, and humor. Recommended for reluctant readers, burgeoning writers, and anyone who needs a reminder about what it takes to do the right thing.
While roughly half of the stories here feature some sort of violence, that violence is not what Myers is interested in. Rather, he wants to show us how individuals find the strength to respond to the violence in their lives, and how community serves as a source for that strength. There are intense moments, but Myers leavens his stories with nobility, humanity, and humor. Recommended for reluctant readers, burgeoning writers, and anyone who needs a reminder about what it takes to do the right thing.
April 3, 2009
The book 145th street Shot Stories, is about a guy name Big Joe who wants to throw himself a funeral partie even though he is alive. He is very popular on the streets, so he invites alot of people to come to his Funeral partie. Most people that Big Joe invited, said no i'm not going because you are not dead and that it is not right to act like your dead because thats making fun of the dead people, and hurting many peoples feelings like that because most of the people lost someone very important to the family and themselves. I can't connect to this quote because I never threw a funeral party just to have one. Plus I don't make fun or act like i'm dead because I lost many people in my family that I never even met before. I think Big Joe should not throw the party because its making fun of the dead and he might get back fired and actually die. What do you think he should do? Once youve made your perdiction...read the book and see if you were right or maybe wrong. I would give this book a 3 because its heart breaking because its talking about the dead and second, the storie goees off and off and doesn't explain who the characters in the book are responsible of and what is their role in the book.
November 15, 2009
This book was mainly about the usual things that happen on 145th street. This book didn't focus on only one character it focused on a few since there are ten stories written in this one book. Each story focused on the good and bad stuff of what happens on 145th street. Some stories in the book talked about how people don't always make such great choices in life. And some of the other stories talked about conflicts in life.
I'm going to do a text-to-self connection to Peaches. I think i can connect to Peaches because she cares about other people. And i also care about the people in my life. Also peaches like to help people in need or that need help. And i like to help people who would need my help. Those are some of the reasons why i think i can connect to Peaches.
I rate this book four stars. The reason why i give this book four stars is because i think each story had a great conflict and a great resolution to the conflict. I recommend this book to a reader who would enjoy reading short stories.
I'm going to do a text-to-self connection to Peaches. I think i can connect to Peaches because she cares about other people. And i also care about the people in my life. Also peaches like to help people in need or that need help. And i like to help people who would need my help. Those are some of the reasons why i think i can connect to Peaches.
I rate this book four stars. The reason why i give this book four stars is because i think each story had a great conflict and a great resolution to the conflict. I recommend this book to a reader who would enjoy reading short stories.
October 24, 2017
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!
August 2, 2019
This book is so good! I’m adding it to my list of all time favorites.
March 25, 2021
Loved this, and am eager to read more of Walter Dean Meyers’s work! Really wish I read this collection as a young adult. Each story was brief but packed with a variety of humor, plot intrigue, and in many cases, heavy themes depicting the daily struggles that black people face in Harlem, yet wrapped up with such a hopeful tone. I enjoyed that while each story was unique, they all flowed together to create a holistic view of the vibrancy that is Harlem!
August 9, 2021
These were good stories with a good variety of topics and feelings--a couple were more lighthearted but most of them hit pretty hard. Very well written, also--in all, a very very solid short story collection.
April 24, 2021
The first story sucked me in. I loved hearing about Big Joe’s funeral he planned for himself - and had - while he was still alive! Some stories were a bit mature for my 7th graders, but I’m buying it for my classroom anyway. Some made me chuckle out loud, some made me fear, and most (all?) helped me have hope.
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September 21, 2015Dylan Johnson
9/3/15
145th Street, Walter Dean Myers
Peaches Jones is an outgoing African American teen from Harlem that can be rough around the edges sometimes.
Big Joe is a central character in the neighborhood he owns Big Joe’s barbeque joint that sits on the corner of 145th street. Big Joe is beloved by everyone in the neighborhood and respected as an elder.
Willie Murphy is in his 30’s, he believes that because of his age he knows everything, and Willie can come off to be quite annoying to many people.
Eddie McCormick is an amazing baseball player, and on the block that was a little unusual because most boys played basketball. He plays for the Ralph Bunche Academy “...and when they played their would be more scouts than fans.”
Monkeyman was a shy and quiet kid, he was really into books and kept to himself and stayed out of trouble.
The book 145th Street by Walter Dean Myers is a Sequence of short stories. These stories are about the differences on 145th Street in Harlem, NY. This book expresses the danger, the joy, and the community on this block in Harlem as well diversity.
One of the conflicts in the stories of 145th Street is that one one of the gangs targets a kid that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The resolution is that there was justice served for those gang members.
The book 145th Street by Walter Dean Myers was very enjoyable for me, although I thought there could be a little bit more of clarification on the sequence to the story. The reason being is because it really shows the diversity of Harlem, and how you can always find the good in people. The one thing I didn't like was how the book wasn't really a sequence as it was projected to be. I thought if there was a little more of the sequence aspect the book would flow better. Overall 145 Street was a interesting read that I would recommend to read.
9/3/15
145th Street, Walter Dean Myers
Peaches Jones is an outgoing African American teen from Harlem that can be rough around the edges sometimes.
Big Joe is a central character in the neighborhood he owns Big Joe’s barbeque joint that sits on the corner of 145th street. Big Joe is beloved by everyone in the neighborhood and respected as an elder.
Willie Murphy is in his 30’s, he believes that because of his age he knows everything, and Willie can come off to be quite annoying to many people.
Eddie McCormick is an amazing baseball player, and on the block that was a little unusual because most boys played basketball. He plays for the Ralph Bunche Academy “...and when they played their would be more scouts than fans.”
Monkeyman was a shy and quiet kid, he was really into books and kept to himself and stayed out of trouble.
The book 145th Street by Walter Dean Myers is a Sequence of short stories. These stories are about the differences on 145th Street in Harlem, NY. This book expresses the danger, the joy, and the community on this block in Harlem as well diversity.
One of the conflicts in the stories of 145th Street is that one one of the gangs targets a kid that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The resolution is that there was justice served for those gang members.
The book 145th Street by Walter Dean Myers was very enjoyable for me, although I thought there could be a little bit more of clarification on the sequence to the story. The reason being is because it really shows the diversity of Harlem, and how you can always find the good in people. The one thing I didn't like was how the book wasn't really a sequence as it was projected to be. I thought if there was a little more of the sequence aspect the book would flow better. Overall 145 Street was a interesting read that I would recommend to read.
April 26, 2013
Name: Josephine Wold
APA Citation: Myers, W. D. (2000). 145th Street Short Stories. New York: Delacorte Press.
Genre: Short Stories
Award: n/a
Format: Print
Selection process:
1) Reviews by Booklist and School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.
2) By the 1994 Margaret A. Edwards Award winner.
Review:
You may start out thinking you don’t want or need to read about the quirky poor people who live on a particular street in Harlem. But as you read you begin to come to know you are connecting with the real stuff of life and not the distracting details. Teens, children, parents, old people all make appearances and come to life, as these stories are told, some in first and some in third person.
Walter Dean Myers is an award winning author who captures both the joy and suffering of the human condition in his honest, heart-touching stories. By plopping the reader down on 145th street, he is actually opening a little window into essential aspects of our own lives. “The way I see it, things happen on 145th Street that don’t happen anywhere else in the world.” The details may be different, but somehow it is the stuff all our lives are made of. Ten stories that range through survival, redemption, true love, kindness, courage, injustice, wisdom, despair, hilarity, and tragedy. “That’s what 145th Street is like. Something funny happens … then something bad happens.” Each story makes you feel something, and makes you want to stop and think.
Recommendation: Highly Recommend
APA Citation: Myers, W. D. (2000). 145th Street Short Stories. New York: Delacorte Press.
Genre: Short Stories
Award: n/a
Format: Print
Selection process:
1) Reviews by Booklist and School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.
2) By the 1994 Margaret A. Edwards Award winner.
Review:
You may start out thinking you don’t want or need to read about the quirky poor people who live on a particular street in Harlem. But as you read you begin to come to know you are connecting with the real stuff of life and not the distracting details. Teens, children, parents, old people all make appearances and come to life, as these stories are told, some in first and some in third person.
Walter Dean Myers is an award winning author who captures both the joy and suffering of the human condition in his honest, heart-touching stories. By plopping the reader down on 145th street, he is actually opening a little window into essential aspects of our own lives. “The way I see it, things happen on 145th Street that don’t happen anywhere else in the world.” The details may be different, but somehow it is the stuff all our lives are made of. Ten stories that range through survival, redemption, true love, kindness, courage, injustice, wisdom, despair, hilarity, and tragedy. “That’s what 145th Street is like. Something funny happens … then something bad happens.” Each story makes you feel something, and makes you want to stop and think.
Recommendation: Highly Recommend
May 9, 2013
Name: Leslie Short
APA citation: Myers, W.D. (2000). 145th Street Short Stories. New York, NY: Random House
Genre: short stories
Format: Print
Selection process: ALA – YALSA Best Book for Young Adults; Booklist review
Review:
145th Street is a collection of short stories told about the residents of 145th street Harlem. The stories are full of humor and/or hardships, but each of them proved to be entertaining. Big Joe hosts his own funeral with a life insurance check he received for cancelling his life insurance. Angela’s dreams predict the future which turns out to be unfortunate for some. Monkeyman saves a girl from the Tigros gang, and becomes a target of their violence. The Baddest Dog in Harlem is a heartbreaking tale of a drive by shooting. Kitty and Mack’s relationship is tested when Mack gets shot and has to have his leg amputated. Block party is a relatable story about Peaches reaction to her mom getting married. A Christmas story is an inspirational story about a police officer trying to keep his work and personal life separate. Billy is a boxer who is trying to provide for his wife. All of the stories are full of lovable characters.
Myers clever writing style makes the reader feel as if he/she is actually listening to someone tell stories. The stories, though wild, are realistic and could be actual events in someone’s life. Readers are able to relate and empathize with the characters on a personal level. The book is 149 pages with each story around 15 pages long. This book would be a good choice for reluctant readers.
Recommend
APA citation: Myers, W.D. (2000). 145th Street Short Stories. New York, NY: Random House
Genre: short stories
Format: Print
Selection process: ALA – YALSA Best Book for Young Adults; Booklist review
Review:
145th Street is a collection of short stories told about the residents of 145th street Harlem. The stories are full of humor and/or hardships, but each of them proved to be entertaining. Big Joe hosts his own funeral with a life insurance check he received for cancelling his life insurance. Angela’s dreams predict the future which turns out to be unfortunate for some. Monkeyman saves a girl from the Tigros gang, and becomes a target of their violence. The Baddest Dog in Harlem is a heartbreaking tale of a drive by shooting. Kitty and Mack’s relationship is tested when Mack gets shot and has to have his leg amputated. Block party is a relatable story about Peaches reaction to her mom getting married. A Christmas story is an inspirational story about a police officer trying to keep his work and personal life separate. Billy is a boxer who is trying to provide for his wife. All of the stories are full of lovable characters.
Myers clever writing style makes the reader feel as if he/she is actually listening to someone tell stories. The stories, though wild, are realistic and could be actual events in someone’s life. Readers are able to relate and empathize with the characters on a personal level. The book is 149 pages with each story around 15 pages long. This book would be a good choice for reluctant readers.
Recommend
May 15, 2013
I read this book to review to assist my school district in making the decision on whether or not it should be added to the middle school curriculum. These short stories would open up many windows to have higher level thinking about many facets of urban inner city life. So many of the experiences touches or have touched the lives of the students within the district. There is: police contact, addiction, gang violence, low self esteem, lost dreams, and gun violence to name a few. There is also a peek into the love in these communities shared through cultural food, music, loyalty, and etc. So, there are opportunities to discuss social problems that should be used to help children work through these problems if they are occuring or have occurred in their own personal lives. But, you can also discuss the cultural strengths and positives on how urban inner city life can or have enriched the lives of its community members and others, as well.
June 11, 2010
This book was basicly short stories rolled into one book. Each of these stories have a different plot to them and take a different turn with each of them. In one story a girl can predict if a person can die. But in a different story a student has to fight a gang. Each of these stories has an interesting plot to them.
I think that this can connect to real life situations to. Many things in this book could happen on your own nabourhood. That is why I believe that it was based on real people. That is the reason why I think this book connects to the real world.
I gave this book a 4 because I liked it. It seemed real so I was able to get into it. I liked most of the stories an thought that each one had a lot in it. Some of the stories though I thought ended weirdly like the first one. My favorite one was the one with Monkeyman. It was funny but serious.
I think that this can connect to real life situations to. Many things in this book could happen on your own nabourhood. That is why I believe that it was based on real people. That is the reason why I think this book connects to the real world.
I gave this book a 4 because I liked it. It seemed real so I was able to get into it. I liked most of the stories an thought that each one had a lot in it. Some of the stories though I thought ended weirdly like the first one. My favorite one was the one with Monkeyman. It was funny but serious.
March 25, 2010
This book is about little stories put in to one story. This is a short stories book and the stories are about a guy who plans a fake funeral for i don't know what reason. Another story is about a girl named peaches and her life story about her and her friends. There's a couple of stories with big Sal in it the guy who planned the fake funeral's.
I would connect this book to text-to-world because these stories are about real peoples lives and i bet people can connect to how those people wrote there stories.
i would give this book 5 stars ***** because i thought it was a really good book and i also could of related to it in many ways. i would recommend this book to who ever likes short story books and that likes reading about something that is in there neighborhood.
I would connect this book to text-to-world because these stories are about real peoples lives and i bet people can connect to how those people wrote there stories.
i would give this book 5 stars ***** because i thought it was a really good book and i also could of related to it in many ways. i would recommend this book to who ever likes short story books and that likes reading about something that is in there neighborhood.
November 1, 2011
This short story was about two children and a dog and one older lady who experienced injustice. The dog and one child get shot and killed.Mary Brown gets her house shot up by the police. The narrator is forced to go with Mary Brown and the police to the appartments. Throughout this story each character expericences injustice.
Monkeyman:
The story "Monkeyman" shows injustice. The main character Monkeyman is being targerted by a gang called the Tigros. He helped a girl, Peaches, from getting cut by lady Tigros. This is then main reason they want to fight him. Also he let a member beat him up. Throughout this story we see that Monkeyman expericences injustice.
Monkeyman:
The story "Monkeyman" shows injustice. The main character Monkeyman is being targerted by a gang called the Tigros. He helped a girl, Peaches, from getting cut by lady Tigros. This is then main reason they want to fight him. Also he let a member beat him up. Throughout this story we see that Monkeyman expericences injustice.
Currently reading
January 8, 2010This Book Is Good It Has Alot Of Short Stories About Whats Going On 145th Street Some Of The Characters Name Is MonkeyMan,Angela,Peaches,Big Joe Etc. The Book Is Mixed Up There Are Good Times And Bad Times You Never Know What Is Going To Happen Next. The Genre Of This Book Is Fiction And Mostly Drama.I Think This Is Drama Because Mostly Bad Things Happen Someone Getting Hurt Of Dieing But Its Not All Drama Good Things Happen
July 15, 2012
I accidentally read the sequel to this, What They Found: Love on 145th Street (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29...), first. That book was incredible.
I liked all the stories in this one, but I enjoyed the first half much more than the second half and overall found it lacking the heart I loved so much in the sequel and enjoy in so many of Meyers' books.
I liked all the stories in this one, but I enjoyed the first half much more than the second half and overall found it lacking the heart I loved so much in the sequel and enjoy in so many of Meyers' books.
October 3, 2011
I liked the boOK IT CUZ IT HAS THE THEME OF INJUSTICE. MY FAVORITE SHORT STORY IS "BIG JOE'S FUNERAL" CUZ HE HAS A FUNERAL EVENTHOUGH HE IS STILL ALIVE, AND THEN AFTER THE FUNERAL HE HAS A BIG PARTY.
October 3, 2011
This book is a very interesting book. It explains many themes. one that occurs frequently is injustice. it has many stories including "The Streak" "The Baddest Dog in Harlem" and " Big Joe's Funeral"
June 1, 2016
145th Street was also a good book . This book is also my type of books because it's also of stories in one whole book very incredible. Great Book !
March 7, 2024
read for work
September 8, 2009
The first story, "Big Joe's Funeral" is about the humorous resident in Harlem who decides to plan his own funeral, while he was stil living. He encounters some pronlems from his girlfriend's teenage daughter, but still proceeds with his FAKE funersl plsns.This story was good. It was a good way to see if people really care about you. But At the end of the story someone really died. So it showed that death is serious and should not be taken as a joke, because people lose their lives everyday.
The Second Story I Read was The Baddest Dog In Harlem.
This Story was good and it was kinda sad since the man dies.It Reminded me of a time when the police sorrounded my brother's house in VA. they just all started juping out of cars from nowhere, and just ran into his house where my bother and I were. They disturbed ou Peace!! But Luckily , No one was killed, Just A little frieghtened.
Fighter: This story was about a boxer name, Billy Giles.He wanted to be the best boxer, but his wife was not 100% suportive of his idea. He would go to the gym everynight to fight. He would lose and his wife began to worry about his phyiscal health and appearance. Billy fought and fought unitl he got to the top.He had to go up against a fighter who went by the name, Manny. THey were going head to head for the winning position. Manny overpowered Billy and Billy Lost. Later on that night he returned home without the ice cream that he had promised his wife. THe grocery store was closed was the reason he used. When he retuened home he was hurt badly. He had terrible headaches,he was sore, and he saw blood in his urine.
Angela's Eyes:This story is about a girl who suffers depression dut to the lost of her father. She rearely does anything anymore. She is trting to be strong for her mother, but she can barey be strong for herself. As time passes on the young girl, Angela begins to recap her father's death in her eyes, like she has visions. As more time passes on she beagans to see other peoples death. When she reveals her secrert with her mother;s friends they began to act funny around her. They thought that she was the cause of everybody's death, when all she really did was see it before it actually happened.She began to get harrassed on several different levels, then finally towards the end of the story people nbegam to treat her normally again.
The Streak: A streak is an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck:\". This story is about a boy named James Ferrell. He plays on the basketball team. As they are playing against another team, he has the chance to make the winning shot. He misses and cause his team to lose and now the whole scholl is on his back. The dance is coming u and he has no date. But he has his eye set out on someone special. As he keeps recieving bad luck, his "good luck" streak stars to take action. He gets alot of good luck and he is scared that by time it is time for him to ask his date to the dance all of his luck will run out. But luckily, it doesnt. He saves time and he gets to go to the dance with the girl that he dreamed to go with. He had his lucky week. This story reminds me of myself. When one bad thing hapens to me, another one hapens, its like it'll never end. But when somehting good happens its like the best and it seems like it'll never stop. "I just figured out that the whole world is on a streak!"
Monkey Man: This story shows how courage can bring you a long way. The youung man in this book was named Monkeyman, who when stoo u for a friend is now the target of a gang named "Tigros". He is threatened and at the same time frieghtened by the gang. He is courageous enough to tell the gang to meet him at the park. He shows up pratically naked. He stands u with his arms out at his side with his feet togther. Seems to be as if he was mocking the stance of Jesus when he was being abused. The group continously beat Monkeyman as he held his "Jesus" stance. The crowd grew larger over the time. The police came. Then Monkeyman won through his courage.
Kitty and Mack: A Love Story: This story told people that if you love someone then you will do anything for them. Mack was very good at sports and dreamed to be a famous baseball player. But he was injured and he had to get his leg amputated. He was down and depressed eversince. Kitty, his girlfriend was always trying to support him but she kept getting turned doen by mack. She tryed her best to see hi, but she got turned down then too. Poeple told her to give up. He stopped comng to school, and she did the same. Soon Mack spoke to her and they exchanged feelings. They were reunited in the end. This goes to show if you never give up on a person then maybe it will do you both some good.
A Christmas Story: This story was good. It was about a lady and a family. Mother Fletcher, a well-known lady on the block was very close friends with O'Brien,s police officer. O'Brien was married with a child. His wife's name is Kathy, and his daughter name is Meaghan. Mother Fletcher invited them over for Christmas dinner, since her family was not really there for her. O'Brien told Mother Fletcher that they would come and visit and dinner. Kathy did not agree with his decision 100%, but she went through with the plan. After Meaghan heard about going over she was really excited. But all of sudden O'Brien didnt want to go anymore. He didnt want to take his family into the violent community that Mother Fletcher lived in. While Kathy and Meaghan wanted to go, O'brien wasnt up for it anymore. Kathy bought her a gift. On Chrsitmas day o'brien went throught with his word and went to visit Mother Fletcher. She was happy to see O'Brien and his family. They did a good thing by going to see her. It was a good moral to this story. Always do to others what you would want others to do for you.
A Story In Three Parts: This story was very difficult for me to undrstand. But the moral to the story was very understandable. At the end of the story towards the fire i started to get the lesson tought throughtout the story. Basically its saying that be in the right place at the right time, and nothing bad can really happen . Like he was supposed to be in school, he wasn't. Causing him to get in trouble....Then he went to the rooftop and a fire broke out. He saved a little boys life. He was scared but he was courageous for saving the boy's life. Although they boy was being disrespecting him earlier. It was nice thing for him to do. Another moral to this story is Be Nice to Everybody, bacuse You NEVER Know When You May Need A Favor From That Person.!
Block Party-145th Street Style: The Block Party was a story that had both negative and positives to it. Peaches was sad that her mother was getting married to Joe. Not because it was Joe, but because she thought that her mother couldn’t marry anyone else if she still loved her father. Everyone was enjoying the block party excitement except for Peaches. She was walking around moping and down Then J.T, a kid from the neighborhood came over to talk to peaches and her friend Squeezie. Peaches ttok her anger out on JT by yelling at him and saying alot of meant hings. JT got upset and went to his living area. Later on Peaches went to apologize, but JT didn’t want to be bothered. Meanwhile,back in his home his mother was very sick. Squeezie and Peaches wanted to help out.JT refused to let them in. When Peaches finally got through she found JT's mom on the floor.JT was mad because he felt like he couldn’t even help his own mother. Peaches sent Squeezie to get Joe for help. Joe stopped everything he was doing to go and see what Peaches needed. Then after they saw why they needed him, they called for more help. JT and his mom stayed with Mother Fletcher for a while, as she got better. Peaches gave JT her last 200 dollars, which was for her mother's wedding gift. He said he would pay her back but she knew he couldn’t. This book shows that you never know what someone is going through, so unitl you do dont make any judgements about that person or assumptiond beacuse it may turn out that you will need them for something in the end.
This whole book taught a lot of life morals.
It was a good book overall.
I would recommend you read this book, if you havent already done so.
The Second Story I Read was The Baddest Dog In Harlem.
This Story was good and it was kinda sad since the man dies.It Reminded me of a time when the police sorrounded my brother's house in VA. they just all started juping out of cars from nowhere, and just ran into his house where my bother and I were. They disturbed ou Peace!! But Luckily , No one was killed, Just A little frieghtened.
Fighter: This story was about a boxer name, Billy Giles.He wanted to be the best boxer, but his wife was not 100% suportive of his idea. He would go to the gym everynight to fight. He would lose and his wife began to worry about his phyiscal health and appearance. Billy fought and fought unitl he got to the top.He had to go up against a fighter who went by the name, Manny. THey were going head to head for the winning position. Manny overpowered Billy and Billy Lost. Later on that night he returned home without the ice cream that he had promised his wife. THe grocery store was closed was the reason he used. When he retuened home he was hurt badly. He had terrible headaches,he was sore, and he saw blood in his urine.
Angela's Eyes:This story is about a girl who suffers depression dut to the lost of her father. She rearely does anything anymore. She is trting to be strong for her mother, but she can barey be strong for herself. As time passes on the young girl, Angela begins to recap her father's death in her eyes, like she has visions. As more time passes on she beagans to see other peoples death. When she reveals her secrert with her mother;s friends they began to act funny around her. They thought that she was the cause of everybody's death, when all she really did was see it before it actually happened.She began to get harrassed on several different levels, then finally towards the end of the story people nbegam to treat her normally again.
The Streak: A streak is an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck:\". This story is about a boy named James Ferrell. He plays on the basketball team. As they are playing against another team, he has the chance to make the winning shot. He misses and cause his team to lose and now the whole scholl is on his back. The dance is coming u and he has no date. But he has his eye set out on someone special. As he keeps recieving bad luck, his "good luck" streak stars to take action. He gets alot of good luck and he is scared that by time it is time for him to ask his date to the dance all of his luck will run out. But luckily, it doesnt. He saves time and he gets to go to the dance with the girl that he dreamed to go with. He had his lucky week. This story reminds me of myself. When one bad thing hapens to me, another one hapens, its like it'll never end. But when somehting good happens its like the best and it seems like it'll never stop. "I just figured out that the whole world is on a streak!"
Monkey Man: This story shows how courage can bring you a long way. The youung man in this book was named Monkeyman, who when stoo u for a friend is now the target of a gang named "Tigros". He is threatened and at the same time frieghtened by the gang. He is courageous enough to tell the gang to meet him at the park. He shows up pratically naked. He stands u with his arms out at his side with his feet togther. Seems to be as if he was mocking the stance of Jesus when he was being abused. The group continously beat Monkeyman as he held his "Jesus" stance. The crowd grew larger over the time. The police came. Then Monkeyman won through his courage.
Kitty and Mack: A Love Story: This story told people that if you love someone then you will do anything for them. Mack was very good at sports and dreamed to be a famous baseball player. But he was injured and he had to get his leg amputated. He was down and depressed eversince. Kitty, his girlfriend was always trying to support him but she kept getting turned doen by mack. She tryed her best to see hi, but she got turned down then too. Poeple told her to give up. He stopped comng to school, and she did the same. Soon Mack spoke to her and they exchanged feelings. They were reunited in the end. This goes to show if you never give up on a person then maybe it will do you both some good.
A Christmas Story: This story was good. It was about a lady and a family. Mother Fletcher, a well-known lady on the block was very close friends with O'Brien,s police officer. O'Brien was married with a child. His wife's name is Kathy, and his daughter name is Meaghan. Mother Fletcher invited them over for Christmas dinner, since her family was not really there for her. O'Brien told Mother Fletcher that they would come and visit and dinner. Kathy did not agree with his decision 100%, but she went through with the plan. After Meaghan heard about going over she was really excited. But all of sudden O'Brien didnt want to go anymore. He didnt want to take his family into the violent community that Mother Fletcher lived in. While Kathy and Meaghan wanted to go, O'brien wasnt up for it anymore. Kathy bought her a gift. On Chrsitmas day o'brien went throught with his word and went to visit Mother Fletcher. She was happy to see O'Brien and his family. They did a good thing by going to see her. It was a good moral to this story. Always do to others what you would want others to do for you.
A Story In Three Parts: This story was very difficult for me to undrstand. But the moral to the story was very understandable. At the end of the story towards the fire i started to get the lesson tought throughtout the story. Basically its saying that be in the right place at the right time, and nothing bad can really happen . Like he was supposed to be in school, he wasn't. Causing him to get in trouble....Then he went to the rooftop and a fire broke out. He saved a little boys life. He was scared but he was courageous for saving the boy's life. Although they boy was being disrespecting him earlier. It was nice thing for him to do. Another moral to this story is Be Nice to Everybody, bacuse You NEVER Know When You May Need A Favor From That Person.!
Block Party-145th Street Style: The Block Party was a story that had both negative and positives to it. Peaches was sad that her mother was getting married to Joe. Not because it was Joe, but because she thought that her mother couldn’t marry anyone else if she still loved her father. Everyone was enjoying the block party excitement except for Peaches. She was walking around moping and down Then J.T, a kid from the neighborhood came over to talk to peaches and her friend Squeezie. Peaches ttok her anger out on JT by yelling at him and saying alot of meant hings. JT got upset and went to his living area. Later on Peaches went to apologize, but JT didn’t want to be bothered. Meanwhile,back in his home his mother was very sick. Squeezie and Peaches wanted to help out.JT refused to let them in. When Peaches finally got through she found JT's mom on the floor.JT was mad because he felt like he couldn’t even help his own mother. Peaches sent Squeezie to get Joe for help. Joe stopped everything he was doing to go and see what Peaches needed. Then after they saw why they needed him, they called for more help. JT and his mom stayed with Mother Fletcher for a while, as she got better. Peaches gave JT her last 200 dollars, which was for her mother's wedding gift. He said he would pay her back but she knew he couldn’t. This book shows that you never know what someone is going through, so unitl you do dont make any judgements about that person or assumptiond beacuse it may turn out that you will need them for something in the end.
This whole book taught a lot of life morals.
It was a good book overall.
I would recommend you read this book, if you havent already done so.
February 7, 2024
Harlem and 145th Street have been portrayed in this collection with great warmth.The author, himself a native of Harlem, has for a setting the neighborhood surrounding 145th Street and the lives of its inhabitants. The following ten stories make up this collection:
1) Big Joe’s Funeral
2) The Baddest Dog in Harlem
3) Fighter
4) Angela’s Eyes
5) The Streak
6) Monkeyman
7) Kitty and Mack: A Love Story
8) A Christmas Story
9) A Story in Three Parts
10) Block Party—145th Street Style
Every single one of the sinewy, appealing accounts familiarizes the reader with fascinating characters and situations. Though several of the stories convincingly—and from time to time appallingly—concern crime and gang wars, the general tone is enthusiastic and strong-willed. You meet a host of colourful characters -- an old man planning to attend his own funeral by faking his death to a Hispanic girl who may be experiencing a series of prophetic dreams. You meet an aging African-American woman sharing her Christmas with a Caucasian policeman and his family; and a scholarly girl and a jock who fall in love and stay in love against all odds. Vivacious descriptions, a reliable setting, and a strong sense of community, distinguish this collection.
Recommended.
1) Big Joe’s Funeral
2) The Baddest Dog in Harlem
3) Fighter
4) Angela’s Eyes
5) The Streak
6) Monkeyman
7) Kitty and Mack: A Love Story
8) A Christmas Story
9) A Story in Three Parts
10) Block Party—145th Street Style
Every single one of the sinewy, appealing accounts familiarizes the reader with fascinating characters and situations. Though several of the stories convincingly—and from time to time appallingly—concern crime and gang wars, the general tone is enthusiastic and strong-willed. You meet a host of colourful characters -- an old man planning to attend his own funeral by faking his death to a Hispanic girl who may be experiencing a series of prophetic dreams. You meet an aging African-American woman sharing her Christmas with a Caucasian policeman and his family; and a scholarly girl and a jock who fall in love and stay in love against all odds. Vivacious descriptions, a reliable setting, and a strong sense of community, distinguish this collection.
Recommended.
August 25, 2023
This book was cool and such a quick read. The stories come off as standalones with their own theme, but they are also intertwined in a way. The book is centred in the same neighbourhood, and the stories give you a glimpse into the lives of the various residents.
The author projects the theme of friendship, love, family, and connections. The writer narrates each characters story so well that it makes it easy to relate to the characters and enjoy the story.
Short stories get my attention so fast, and this book gives you that captivating reading experience that you'll love and enjoy.
My favourite stories were; Big Joe Funeral, The Streak, and A Christmas Story.
The author projects the theme of friendship, love, family, and connections. The writer narrates each characters story so well that it makes it easy to relate to the characters and enjoy the story.
Short stories get my attention so fast, and this book gives you that captivating reading experience that you'll love and enjoy.
My favourite stories were; Big Joe Funeral, The Streak, and A Christmas Story.
April 11, 2018
I read this book with my 7/8th grade literature class as a companion to our earlier study of the The Outsiders. Interestingly, my students did not enjoy this book as much because it was difficult to connect with the characters because they did not develop the way they would over the course of a novel. I agreed with their assessment, however the plots were definitely engaging and entertaining. I think next time I would pull one or two stories and teach those specifically rather than use the whole collection.
August 15, 2019
A series of short stories about the people who live on one block of 145th Street in Harlem. Each story tells of an unusual incident in the life of one of the residents. Book smart Monkeyman gets jumped by a rival gang for stopping them from slashing a girl. Big Joe decides to cash in life insurance and stage a funeral party for himself. Each tells the block's story from their point of view and position in life.
Grittier and probably more "urban" than the Bluford series, but still pretty clean without graphic descriptions of the violence, drug use and more negative sides of the stories.
Grittier and probably more "urban" than the Bluford series, but still pretty clean without graphic descriptions of the violence, drug use and more negative sides of the stories.
July 22, 2020
A short book of short stories.
The first story is about a man named Big Joe who decides to have his funeral while he is still alive. Dumbest thing I ever heard of but entertaining none the less.
The next story is short with a tragic ending.
Next - A young girl who can dream the future followed by a young man who has a streak of bad luck then a streak of amazing luck but running out of streaks somehow.
All of the stories were entertaining and easy to get through.
This is my first introduction to Walter Dean Myers and I LIKE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first story is about a man named Big Joe who decides to have his funeral while he is still alive. Dumbest thing I ever heard of but entertaining none the less.
The next story is short with a tragic ending.
Next - A young girl who can dream the future followed by a young man who has a streak of bad luck then a streak of amazing luck but running out of streaks somehow.
All of the stories were entertaining and easy to get through.
This is my first introduction to Walter Dean Myers and I LIKE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 30, 2023
A couple of these short stories were a four, one or two were a two, and the majority were threes. (Threes because that’s my natural instinct with short stories. The really good ones? I always want more!) Enjoyable and definitely a super quick read. I think I liked, “The Streak”, “MonkeyMan”, and “A Love Story” the best, but some of the other stories were more powerful. I also really enjoyed the Walter Dean Myers tributes (written by a variety of cool people) included in my edition. A fine little “knock out in less than an hour” anthology.
January 30, 2019
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!
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