Harlem

Author: Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Christopher Myers
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Date: 1997
Awards: ALA Notable Book, Caldecott Honor Book (1998), Coretta Scott King Honor book
Ages: All ages
Topics: picture book, poetry, African American, urban life
Summary: Take a musical journey through the sass and swing of Harlem. A poem celebrating the people, sights, and sounds of Harlem.

Book Connections

• Harlem from the Kennedy Center
  Online video adaptation of the book.
• Harlem from Scholastic Canada

Topic Connections

Harlem Today

• East Harlem
  Information about the community
• Harlem from Wikipedia
• Home to Home Harlem
  Local information and photographs

Harlem and Jazz

• Harlem.org
  Explore jazz history through a single photograph including artists, instruments, and jazz styles.

Harlem Renaissance

• 42explore: Harlem Renaissance
  

Learning Connections

• People and Places. The book refers to many historical and cultural references related to Harlem such as the Apollo Theatre. How many can you find? Find a list at Scholastic. Create a list and learn a little about each. Create a PowerPoint show about these people and places to share with those who don't know about Harlem. Now, think about your town. What people and places would you highlight?

Teaching Connections

• Try a WebQuest about Harlem
  • Discover East Harlem
  • Harlem

Learn More

Do a Thinkfinity search for lessons related to this book.

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