A gripping graphic memoir adaptation of iconic, multi-award-winning author Walter Dean Myers’s autobiography, telling the story of his coming of age in Harlem, adapted by Guy A. Sims and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile.
Legendary author Walter Dean Myers was once a troublemaker and a truant.
Just how bad was he? From instigating mischievous pranks at home to fighting in the classroom—especially when teased about his speech impediment—irrepressible Walter was more than a handful. Underneath it all, he had a tremendous love for books, and by high school, he longed to become a writer. But financial troubles at home made him feel as though his options were so limited that he dropped out of school. Still, his desire to write was as irrepressible as Walter himself. If he could only be given the chance . . .
Walter recounts what growing up in Harlem was like in the 1940s and 1950s—when seeing Langston Hughes and Sugar Ray Robinson on the street was the norm and Jackie Robinson ruled the baseball field.
Gripping. Funny. Heartbreaking. Walter Dean Myers's memoir is unforgettable. This is the award-winning story of one of the strongest voices in children’s and young adult literature, adapted into a graphic memoir by Guy A. Sims and brought to life with illustrations by Dawud Anyabwile.
Full-color digital illustrations created with Adobe Photoshop.
Book Genres Autobiography/Biography, Graphic Novels, Memoir
Canadian Rights Yes
Dewey B
Title alpha Bad Boy: A Graphic Memoir
Category Biography High Plus
Pages Count 128
Genre Nonfiction
Topics Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014). Twentieth century African American authors. Twentieth century history of Harlem (New York, N.Y.). Single-parent families. New York Public Schools. School attendance. Conduct of life.
Lexile 970L
Trim Size 9" x 6"
JLG Span Winter
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2025-09-29
JLG Release Date Dec 2025
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Biography High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
Biography High Plus
Biography High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
This 14 book collections offers young adult readers fascinating biographies and compelling personal stories that provide a view into history or perspective on the issues of our times.
Crime: Punishment/Execution,Discrimination: Reference/Discussion,Discrimination: Religious,Discrimination: Sexism,Discrimination: Sexuality,Language: Moderate Language,Sexual Content: Contact Between Adult and Minor,Sexual Content: Mild Sexual Content/Themes,Violence: Gun Violence,Violence: Suicide,Violence: War/Harsh Realities of War