Bad Boy
A Memoir
Harper Collins 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family
- racism and prejudice
- coming of age
- resilience
- power of reading and writing
- belonging
- mentorship
About this book
Walter Dean Myers looks back on his childhood in 1940s–1950s Harlem, when he was tough on the outside but secretly in love with books. Hiding library books in brown paper bags, he dreams of becoming a writer even as he navigates family struggles, school challenges, and the pressures of his neighborhood. Told with humor, honesty, and heart, this memoir shows how reading and writing helped him find his voice. It’s a compelling choice for teens who enjoy true stories about identity, resilience, and following a dream.
Setting: Harlem and New York City, 1940s–1950s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Boy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Bad Boy. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, family, racism and prejudice.
How long does it take to read Bad Boy?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Bad Boy takes around 6.4h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bad Boy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bad Boy has an AR quiz available, worth 9 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Bad Boy?
Bad Boy has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.