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Somewhere in the Darkness

Walter Dean Myers · 1992

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Strong language; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Jimmy’s mother has died, and that loss is part of his family history and emotional situation.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Violence and its aftermath are part of the family history, but injuries and blood are not described graphically.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some mild street language reflecting the characters' environments.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Faith or church references may occur in the characters’ background, but religion is not central to the story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

There is a tense, underlying sense of uncertainty as Jimmy travels with a man he barely knows.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adult substance use may appear in background or past circumstances, without being a central or glamorized theme.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of past criminal acts and the volatile nature of the father.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows immense emotional bravery in navigating his father's reality.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages deep thinking about human nature and character motives.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The story gives a Black teenager and his family substantial, authentic representation, but it does not present a broad range of identities.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into social issues and systemic challenges faced by youth in similar circumstances.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Mama Jean provides a strong, kind model of guardianship.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The book offers profound messages about integrity, forgiveness, and the complexity of parents as people.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Jimmy is a resilient protagonist, though his father is deeply flawed.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Somewhere in the Darkness would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Somewhere in the Darkness, and what caused that change?
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