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?

 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?

◦ 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?

◦ 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.

◦ Answer: He might mean that the achievements of parents can encourage children to achieve.

 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 _____.