Review Detail

I always enjoy reading stories from Walter Dean Myers, though this was my first stab at something other than a novel. A true master, even his short stories convey a lot in just a little bit of space.

There are ten stories in this slim novel, all set on 145th Street, all on one block. You'll meet Peaches and her best friend Squeezie, Monkeyman (who stands up to a gang in an unusual way and lives to tell the tale), Kitty (who finds true love and hangs on to it, no matter what), and many more colorful and believable characters.

The stories fold and blend into one another in such a way that they almost read like a novel. They work very well together and take on a life of their own a life that you'll find yourself thinking about days later.

I'd be hard pressed to pick out a favorite story, but mine might be the tale of Big Joe, who plans and executes his own funeral so he can enjoy it while he's still living. He takes it all the way into the cemetery and even into a casket, that's how committed he is.

I recommend this collection for readers aged 12 and up. Adults will also find much to love.