About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the tug-of-war between responsible adulthood and the lure of fast money or creative freedom. Walter Dean Myers offers a sophisticated yet accessible look at 1920s Harlem through the eyes of sixteen year old Mark Purvis, a jazz saxophonist who gets caught between the high minded ideals of the Harlem Renaissance and the dangerous reality of organized crime. It is an excellent choice for parents who want to discuss the nuance of character and the consequences of compromising one's integrity. The story balances humor and historical depth, introducing young readers to icons like Langston Hughes and Fats Waller. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is timeless: navigating peer pressure and learning that shortcuts to success often come with a heavy price. It is most appropriate for middle and high schoolers who are ready for a realistic but ultimately hopeful coming of age journey.
