Here in Harlem

Gr 6 Up—Inspired by Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology, Walter Dean Myers presents another distinctive community in a series of evocative poems (Holiday House, 2004). Harlem comes to life through the voices of those who have lived there, each unique in diverse poetic forms, age of speaker, experience presented, and emotional context. Before the introduction is read by Myers, a poem in the voice of a 33-year-old English teacher opens the book: "…I take my stand in Harlem, and sing of jubilee/Here my fretful soul flies wondrous free." Multiple voices then present a diverse community which embraces its music, history, education, daily challenges, and joys. Each voice is carefully chosen to bring individual characters to life. Music and sound effects enhance the mood. Have the book available so listeners can peruse the period photographs that augment the poems' settings and moods. This rich, moving performance brings a place, a period, and poetry to life.—Maria Salvadore, formerly Washington DC Public Library