Walter Dean Myers has created a stark and sadly realistic novel of urban youth. Growing up is hard and changing blood brothers and best friends, Jesse and Rise, in different ways. Jesse has his “art thing” to focus on and keep him above the street, but what does Rise have? Rise has power and commands respect that’s why he wants Jesse to write his biography. Jesse puts it down on paper and Rise tells like it is. As Jesse writes his best friend’s biography he realizes how little he knows of the man his friend has become. When Rise starts getting on with drug dealers and hustlers Jesse tries to speak to him through his writing and drawings. This novel is an incredible, gut-wrenching and fast paced read recommended for high schoolers.
Walter Dean Myers is the recipent of several literary awards and the author of many books for young adults. He recieved the Printz Award in 2000 for his book Monster. He was born in West Virginia and grew up in Harlem; he now lives with his wife in Jersey City.
I loved this book but listened to it on cd rather than reading it. It was great but the book form is so much better because of all the illustrations.
Ceil
Ceil, that is so true. The main character is an artist and you get to see his artwork in the book. This is an incredible novel!
I absolutely recommend this book to people who love to read and people who don’t even like to read. I couldn’t put it down until the very good end.