Scorpions
Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers is a thought-provoking narrative set in 1980s Harlem, published by HarperCollins Publishers on September 30, 2025. This edition spans 272 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Jamal, who faces significant challenges after his older brother, Randy, is arrested. With his mother working tirelessly to fund Randy’s appeal, Jamal finds himself struggling to uphold his responsibilities as the man of the house while dealing with school bullies and the pressure to support his family.
As the plot unfolds, Jamal is approached by Randy’s friend Mack, a member of the notorious Scorpions gang. Mack presents Jamal with a tempting yet dangerous opportunity to lead the gang in exchange for the money needed for Randy’s case. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, freedom, and the complexities of manhood, as Jamal grapples with the moral implications of his choices. Readers will encounter a rich exploration of social and family issues, as well as the coming-of-age challenges faced by young men in a contemporary urban setting.
Official synopsis Publisher
The thought-provoking Newbery Honor Book about loyalty, freedom, and what it means to be a man in 1980s Harlem–a story that has gripped generations of readers.
Jamal has been struggling since his older brother, Randy, was arrested. His mom has to work around the clock to try to earn the money to pay for Randy’s appeal, and though Jamal is now the man of the house, he can’t even stand up to bullies like his school principal. How is he going to help his mom come up with the two thousand dollars they need
Before long, Jamal gets a visit from Randy’s friend Mack, who runs with the infamous Scorpions gang that traffics drugs all over Harlem. Mack offers a solution to Jamal’s problems: Take Randy’s place as the leader of the Scorpions. Get the money to pay for Randy’s case. Gain respect and notoriety he can’t get any other way.
Jamal knows that the Scorpions are trouble and wants to do the right thing–but the choice may not be up to him.
Walter Dean Myers was a New York Times bestselling author, Printz Award winner, five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, two-time Newbery Honor recipient, and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Maria Russo, writing in the New York Times, called Myers “one of the greats and a champion of diversity in children’s books well before the cause got mainstream attention.”
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