Coming of Age

Coming of age is a major theme in the novel “Slam!” by Walter Dean Myers. Coming of age includes the spiritual, emotional, moral, and personal maturation and growth of an individual, usually based on real-world experiences and life lessons. The novel primarily focuses around the coming of age of main character Slam.

When the novel begins, Slam is a stellar basketball player and a deep thinker about basketball. However, he gives little thought to anything off the court. Growing up in Harlem, he has to rely on himself to get ahead much of the time. This makes it difficult for him to work with others. He is always seekeing to promote and advance himself. His attitude causes disunity on the basketball team, draws the wrath of Coach Nipper, and causes Mr. Parrish to accuse Slam in class of wanting to be nothing more than...