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Bad Boy  By  cover art

Bad Boy

By: Walter Dean Myers
Narrated by: Joe Morton
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Publisher's summary

Into a memoir that is gripping, funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable, Walter Dean Myers richly weaves the details of his Harlem childhood in the 1940s and 1950s: a loving home life with his adopted parents, Bible school, street games, and the vitality of his neighborhood. Although Walter spent much of his time either getting into trouble or on the basketball court, secretly he was a voracious reader and an aspiring writer. But as his prospects for a successful future diminished, the values he had been taught at home, in school, and in his community seemed worthless, and he turned to the streets and his books for comfort. Here in his own words is the story of one of the strongest voices in children's and young adult literature today.
©2001 Walter Dean Myers (P)2001 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Bad Boy

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Had trouble hearing narrator me l on

Loved the story and how it flowed. Only complaint was I had to turn my volume to the max to hear the narrator. Even then at times I had to rewind and listen multiple times.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book recommended by an 8th grade teache

Enjoyed this memoir. Illustrates not everyone fits into a mold for education and life. Will look into other works by the author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Tough times

What did you love best about Bad Boy?

The part I loved the most was that Myers never made excuses for the choices that he made. Rather he shares his regrets.

Would you recommend Bad Boy to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes I would recommend the book. It is an autobiography of famed writer who lived through the Civil Rights movement. He shares his struggles, but doesn't make excuses.

What about Joe Morton’s performance did you like?

He had nice phrasing, pace, & expression.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It was difficult to follow at first.

Any additional comments?

I didn't like the random music that played at random points in the reading. It may have been better if it was played at the end of chapters instead.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent coming of age and awareness writing.

I like the personal tone of the narrative. While it grants insight to teenage boys in particular, the overall theme lends itself to persons of almost any age. The writing is vividly descriptive, and invokes the senses. The characters are relatable, and the story is compelling.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Chapters 1 and 2 MIA

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

LOVE THIS BOOK, it's unfortunate that chapters 1 and 2 are missing from the audio. LAME!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love it

best book ever I wold read this over and over again strongly suggest this book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A good book ****

Different than i originally thought it was going to be deep, reminded me of people I knew.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Missing chapters...

I purchased this audio because I am reading it with my students. Unfortunately, some chapters are missing. Very discouraging and irritating.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hard to follow

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The story is wonderful, but the recording keeps skipping. This makes it hard to follow the story.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

This is nothing like the really book.

This book is not good at all. It is not as good as the real one

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