Plot Summary

Somewhere in the Darkness

Walter Dean Myers

Somewhere in the Darkness

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1992

Book Brief

Walter Dean Myers

Somewhere in the Darkness

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1990s

Theme
Family
Topic
Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

1992

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

In Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers, fourteen-year-old Jimmy lives with his guardian Mama Jean in New York City. When his estranged father Crab is released from prison and convinces Jimmy to join him on a trip to prove his innocence, Jimmy learns about his family's past and grapples with his father's flawed character, ultimately shaping his own path. The book addresses themes of trust, legacy, and the complexities of father-son relationships. The novel includes sensitive topics such as incarceration and parental loss.

Bittersweet

Emotional

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

1,688 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Walter Dean Myers' Somewhere in the Darkness weaves a tale of a father-son road trip filled with emotional discovery and unresolved tensions. Praised for its authentic dialogue and relatable characters, the novel captures the essence of juvenile struggles. Some critics note the plot's pace may deter less-engaged readers, but the powerful themes are universally compelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Somewhere in the Darkness?

Readers who enjoy Walter Dean Myers's Somewhere in the Darkness are typically young adults who appreciate emotionally compelling narratives about family, forgiveness, and personal growth. Fans of The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie may also find this book captivating.

3.8

1,688 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1990s

Theme
Family
Topic
Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

1992

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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