Plot Summary

Dope Sick

Walter Dean Myers
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Dope Sick

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

Book Brief

Walter Dean Myers

Dope Sick

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Harlem, New York • 2010s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL720L

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Super Short Summary

In Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers, 17-year-old Jeremy "Lil J" Dance hides from the police in an abandoned building after a crime gone wrong, focusing on his conversations with a mysterious figure named Kelly, who offers a magical TV to explore Lil J's past decisions and their consequences, as he reflects on his life and the possibility of a different future. The book addresses substance abuse, crime, and systemic poverty.

Gritty

Dark

Emotional

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,061 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Walter Dean Myers' novel Dope Sick garners praise for its compelling narrative and deep exploration of urban youth struggles with drugs and violence. While the character development is strong and authentic, some readers feel the plot occasionally lacks subtlety. Overall, Myers' raw and emotional storytelling delivers a powerful message.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dope Sick?

Readers who would enjoy Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers are likely teens and young adults interested in gritty, urban stories that explore themes of addiction, identity, and redemption. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds will find the book's raw emotion and complex characters appealing.

4.1

2,061 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Harlem, New York • 2010s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL720L

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