VVMBookBlog

Harlem Summer by Walter Dean Myers

Harlem Summer takes place in the 1920s. Prohibition is going strong in the twenties, and it is difficult to make money. Mark, a sixteen year old black man, is offered five bucks without being given the specifics of the job. His family really needs the money, so Mark takes the job and ends up in trouble with some gangsters. He also takes the job hoping he will get to show off his musical skills and be noticed. After this job, he ends up actually owing money to the gangsters which of course causes problems. Working for The Crisis, is another more savory job of Mark’s where he has been able to meet people such as Langston Hughes. Will his two worlds collide as he trys to pay off his debt?

This book may not be action based, but it gives reference to the history of the twenties. Walter Dean Myers helps these historical figures and places come to life. In the back of the book, he has biographies of the real characters in the book: Langtson Hughes, a poet; Dutch Schultz, a bootlegger; Madame C.J. Walker, a business woman; Ethel Waters, a singer; etc. Although there is not a lot of action, it is a fast paced book. Mark’s difficulties make the reader want to learn his fate and consequences.