35 pages • 1 hour read
134
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • Contemporary
2006
YA
14-18 years
NP0L
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers, a middle grade novel in verse, follows Black teenagers Damien Battle and Junice Ambers in Harlem as they navigate love and socioeconomic challenges. Damien, bound for Brown University, falls for Junice, who struggles with her mother’s incarceration and caring for her family. Themes of forbidden love and economic disparity are explored through free verse poetry. The novel includes a slur against Romani people.
Romantic
Emotional
Gritty
Challenging
Inspirational
1,416 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Walter Dean Myers' Street Love is praised for its poetic prose and vivid depiction of Harlem life. The novel's unique verse format and exploration of love amid urban struggles resonate strongly with readers. However, some find the character development lacking. Ultimately, it's an innovative and emotional read that captivates with its lyrical storytelling.
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers will captivate readers who enjoy modern, urban romances and poetic storytelling akin to Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper. Young adults attuned to lyrical prose, complex characters, and themes of love amidst adversity will find this novel engaging and thought-provoking. Suitable for fans of contemporary YA fiction.
1,416 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
134
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • Contemporary
2006
YA
14-18 years
NP0L
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