Released in 1996, the book, “SLAM!” by Walter Dean Myers follows young teen, Glen Harris growing up in the rough neighborhood of Harlem. Affectionately known as “Slam” around his hood, he is known for his high-flying abilities and skill on the court.
This book has been one of my favorites for a very long time, dating back to when I first read it in middle school. I remember asking our school librarian if they had any books about basketball. What I found were two books by Walter Dean Myers that showcased his talent for storytelling.
The book follows Slam, who attends school at Latimer High School, a predominantly white school. Slam is a member of the school’s basketball team and while he is not a starter at the beginning of the book, he earns his starting role as the book goes on.
Slam is mainly rivaled by his old school, Carver, which features a player named Benny “Ice” Reese, the antithesis of Slam. A drug dealer, Ice is also from the same neighborhood as Slam, where they used to run in the same circles. Slam also runs into serious problems with his coach, Coach Nipper, who he believes is targeting him for being an outsider.
Finally, another thorn in Slam’s side is his father, who struggles with alcohol addiction and maintaining a healthy line of work. The book climaxes in the state championship, where Latimer and Carver face off in high stakes action.
For me, I’ve always held this book dear to my heart. I’ve read this book an ample amount of times, even going so far as to go back to my middle school library and rent it out while still in high school.
At my young and impressionable age, I found a book by an African-American author who wasn’t afraid of using adult themes while targeting a younger crowd. Now, a re-read of one my favorites has only confirmed my passion for turning this book into a screenplay in the future.
“SLAM!” is one of those books that needs more recognition than it receives. Walter Dean Myers is regarded as a legend, who wrote over 100 books throughout his lifetime. If given the chance to immortalize him, I will jump at it.
While writing and producing movies may be a distant future for me as I focus on my journalism career, it’s a passion I hold close to my heart. Myers was the first writer I truly fell in love with, and his style of writing and the book he created helped shaped my own way of telling stories.
If you’ve never read “SLAM!” or checked out some of Myers work, I strongly recommend giving it a chance. The heart and soul of these books shine through every word written on the page, as a beautiful coming-of-age story.
Rest in Peace, Walter Dean Myers. Your contributions to storytelling will not be forgotten.
