Walter Dean Myers

The Writer’s Background
◦ Writers often draw on their own backgrounds to
create a story.
◦ The setting of the story is Harlem, where Myers
grew up in the ‘40s.

1. impromptu: adj.; unplanned

2. tentatively: adv.; in an uncertain or hesitant
way

3. intently: adv.; with close attention

4. brittle: adj.; having a sharp, hard quality;
ready to break

5. ominous: adj.; threatening
 Q1.
In your opinion, why does
Greg decide not to tell his
father about Lemon Brown?

Q1. In your opinion, why does Greg decide
not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?
Answer:
 Perhaps Greg fears his father will
punish him for entering the
tenement; maybe Greg decides to
keep this experience a secret in
order to treasure it more.

 Q2.
In your opinion, why does
Greg decide not to tell his
father about Lemon Brown?

Q2. In your opinion, why does Greg decide
not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?
◦ Answer:
Greg learns that people are not always
what they appear to be. He comes to
view the idea of treasure in a new
light; he realizes that his father
wants to pass on something valuable
to him.
 Q3.
What does Lemon Brown
mean when he says that
everyone’s got a treasure?

Q3. What does Lemon Brown mean when he
says that everyone’s got a treasure?
◦ Answer:
He means that everyone has
something of personal value,
even if it appears worthless
to others.
 Q4.
Lemon Brown says, “If you
know your pappy did
something, you know you can
do something too.” What does
he mean? Do you agree?
Explain.

Q4. Lemon Brown says, “If you know your
pappy did something, you know you can do
something too.” What does he mean? Do you
agree? Explain.
◦ Answer:
He might mean that the
achievements of parents can
encourage children to
achieve.

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
Basic situation: Because Greg is angry with his
father, he does not go ______.
Event 1: He goes into the _______ to get out of
the ______.
Event 2: Greg meets _____.
Event 3: Thugs enter intending to steal
Brown’s _____.
Climax: Greg and Brown ______________.
Resolution: Smiling, Greg goes _____.