Harlem

Author: Walter Dean Myers

Illustrator: Christopher Myers

ISBN: 0590543407

When I first encountered this book, I sighed. A huge, contented sigh. And then I smiled. I was very happy. I am so smitten with the Myers family's work.

Place, sound,

Celebration,

Memories of feelings, of place

A journey on the A train

That started on the banks of the Niger

And has not ended

Harlem is another breathtakingly beautiful book of poetry from Walter Dean Myers and his son, Christopher Myers. This book celebrates Harlem and its landmarks such as the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club as well as famous African Americans, like Langston Hughes and Joe Louis.

The text consists of one long poem about the African American journey to Harlem. Walter Dean Myers writes,

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

Harlem takes the reader on a journey throughout the community. We visit a preacher in church, children cooling off in the water of a fire hydrant during the summer time, and a lady looking out her window, watching the neighborhood children play. We meet striking portraits of Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois. In the few minutes it takes to read this poem, we delve deep into the heart that is Harlem, its people.

There are countless lessons that can be created from this wonderful book. Poetry, African American history, art, New York City history, etc. I would probably use this book for students in the upper elementary grades (this title could most certainly be used on the college level - there is no reason why it could not work for adults as well!) because I feel older students would have a deeper appreciation of the content in this book much more than younger students can.

I especially love Christopher Myers illustrations. The first word I can think of to explain the art in this book is bold. The Pan African red, yellow and green can be found on every single page throughout the book. The rich, earthy tones of the pages combine with striking images of the people of Harlem. My favorite image is of a couple riding the iconic A train. At first glance, the couple is separated, one on the left page, the other on the right. If you look closely, they are connected by holding hands. I especially love the eyes in this book. My favorites are a little boy whose eyes are wide open, and an older women whose eyes seem tired and broken.

The text in this book conveys the message of Harlem's lasting cultural legacy and its diverse community. Those who have never visited Harlem perhaps even those who have never walked the streets of New York City are introduced to this beautiful world.

Lastly, I'd like to share one of my favorite parts of this book, Christopher Myers' dedication:

"To Mom and Dad because I like you people."