Bad Boy: A Memoir

Myers, Walter Dean
Amistad (May 7, 2002)

*Appropriate for Young Adults (Grade 7+)

Walter Dean Myers tells the story of his boyhood, beginning with with his adoption into an inter-racial family in 1940's Harlem. Myers vividly describes his frustrations in school, stemming from a speech problem that everyone else seems to notice but him. Because his words are unclear, little Walter uses his fist in order to express himself. His teachers label him a "Bad Boy," which haunts him throughout his school career. Ostracized by his teacher and classmates, and with nothing left to do, Walter discovers his love for literature and poetry. When one special sixth grade teacher realizes Walter's potential, he is encouraged to use his intellect, and is then sent on to a school for the gifted. This is where he begins to truly develop his talent for writing, realizing that while his speech is unclear, his written work can compensate. Sadly, as a result of financial struggles, strains on family relationships, and a growing awareness of racism against African Americans, Walter attends school less and less. He drops out of high school, enlists in the army, and participates in illegal activities. From here, Walter Dean Myers describes the painful journey back into the realization that whatever happens, he should never stop writing.

• Bad Boy is a good novel to read during Black History Month. Use the numerous references to slavery, racism, African-American writers, ball players, and musicians as a springboard for further study.
  
• Have your class read the poetry of Walter Dean Myers for the purpose of investigating what aspects of his life may have inspired selected poems.
  
• Use this novel as a mentor text for teaching the writing of memoir.