 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fast Sam, Cool Clyde, and Stuff
- By Walter Dean Myers
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Funny and sensitive story of friendship.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids of all races can identify with this funny and sensitive story of friendship. The characters ring true as they play, confront difficulties, discuss life, and try to grow up. There are some slightly mature situations as the kids deal with the allure of drugs and sex, and the death of a parent.
What's the story?
Stuff moves to 116th Street in Harlem and meets the boys and girls who will be his friends. They stir up plenty of humor just hanging with each other, but when tragedy strikes, the group decides to form a club called the Good People to help each other. Mostly funny, sometimes serious, this is a wonderful portrait of friendship.
Is it any good?
Plenty of humor and realistic dialogue make the characters in this story come alive. Walter Dean Myers has written numerous books about the gritty life in Harlem. In this book he concentrates on kids who deliberately do good for one another, stay away from drugs and sex, and have fun together. Meanwhile, they help each other cope with serious difficulties.
The episodic story progresses until readers have a bright portrait of these kids who grow up in a tough neighborhood, but who remain kids. They have the support of their families and each other, and learn the difference between being people and playing roles.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the role that friendship plays in each character's life. How do their friends help them overcome difficult situations?
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AGE
Fast Sam,Cool Clyde, and Stuff
what wisdom do walter dean myers show in this book
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Great Discussion Starter
I am a teacher, reading this book aloud to my class. We have had some wonderful discussions, not only about how to be a friend, but how to be someone going through a tough time, as well. If you have never been through something hard, you may become confused, angry, quiet, or over-compensate with joy. We talked about how all reactions are okay. However you are feeling is how you are feeling, and that is okay. I think this discussion was really appropriate and helpful for my kids.
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the best real world connection for students!
I have read this book personally and with my students. It is wonderful. There is no better real world connection in literature. The students love it! It talks about issues that most students go through or know someone who has gone through them. It has been a very beneficial book for my classes. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of twelve.
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| Author: | Walter Dean Myers |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1975 |
| Number of pages: | 190 |
| Paperback price: | $5.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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