Nadine Pineède has a Ph.D. in history, philosophy, and policy studies in education, specializing in philosophy of education and philanthropic studies, from Indiana University. She is a freelance writer and instructor in history, education, and creative writing. In the following essay, Pineède considers the importance of Harlem in Myers's Here in Harlem and throughout his prolific career as a writer of books for young adults and children.

Here in Harlem is Walter Dean Myers's eightieth book. His work has spanned the range of realistic fiction, biography, adventure, science fiction, historical fiction, and poetry. Since the publication of his first picture book for children in 1968, Myers has continued to expand his readership, and he is one of the first African American male authors to achieve success in the field of children's and young adult literature. Myers has gained praise—and some condemnation—for his often...