145th Street: Short Stories

From the award-winning author of Monster, this collection of powerful and poignant stories about 145th Street—an unforgettable block in the heart of Harlem—celebrates African-American life in all of its glory.

“Myers is a master.” —The New York Times Book Review

On Harlem’s 145th Street, things happen that don’t happen anywhere else in the world.

Get to know Big Joe, who’s throwing his own funeral while he’s here to enjoy it, and everyone’s invited. Meet Kitty and Mack, teens with a love story more real than anything they’ve ever known. Follow Monkeyman, the quietest kid on the block and the last person you’d expect the Tigros gang to target. And don’t miss the block party of the year—the whole neighborhood will be there.

From danger and despair to hilarity and joy, literary legend Walter Dean Myers captures every mood and every beat of life in this vibrant Harlem. 


Stories and and touching tributes from authors, artists, and literary legends reflecting on Myer’s legacy are narrated by:

Brandon Gill 
Almarie Guerra
Johnny Heller
Dominic Hoffman
Sullivan Jones
JaQwan J. Kelly
Adenrele Ojo
Paula Parker
Heather Alicia Simms
Bahni Turpin