Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices

(Picture from Goodreads.com)

1. Bibliography

Meyers, Water Dean. 2004. HERE IN HARLEM: POEMS IN MANY VOICES. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0-8234-1853-7

2. Plot Summary

In 54 poems, with many different voices, Meyers conveys the feeling and energy of Harlem. All written by Meyers, the poems are from little girls, blind old veterans, poets, mechanics, boxers, nannies, ballplayers, blues singers and so many more. Combining styles from so many who have inspired him, Meters celebrates the neighborhood he called home.

3. Critical Analysis
With 54 poems and so many perspectives to cultivate, Meyer’s took his time catering to each individual poem. They all have their own unique voice, style, and imagery. Each poem is title with a name, their age, and occupation. You know who you are reading about but find yourself pleasantly surprised with all the experiences you encounter. It is clear that Harlem is not just full of a certain type of person, but people who dream, care, love, and inspire.

Along with the poems are pictures of people. Inspired by Edgar Lee Master’s book of poem SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY, Myers wanted to create his own fictional town and people. While the people in the poems were all inspired by someone in his life, the pictures were not of those people or meant to match the poems. They were just images he loved. Seeing the pictures next to each image though gives you an idea of the people you are imagining as you read through the pages.

4. Reviews/Awards

*Best Books for Young Adults Winner 2005

*Booklist Editors’ Choice: Media (for the audio version 2011)

★ "In this Whitman-esque ode to time and the city, the “crazy quilt patterns” of Harlem are reflected in the voices of the neighborhood’s “big-time people and its struggling folk".... One of Myers’s best—and that’s saying a lot. Sure to be a classic." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "In nearly 60 poems, Myers treats readers to a tour of Harlem's past and present, its hopes and fears, through the voices of narrators young and old.... Myers offers differing perspectives on milestone events such as Jackie Robinson joining the Dodgers, as well as subjects closer to home....And Harlem is indeed home, to all of the people who give voice to its pains and pleasures. Readers will want to visit again and again. —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

5. Connections

*Read other works by Walter Dean Myers

I recommend: “Bad Boy”- Walter Dean Meyers’ memoir and “Monster” written as a drama/ prose.

*You could read these poems together or aloud to get the true feelings and emotions (you don’t even have to read the whole book!)

*Students could create poems from the perspectives of people they know

Comments

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