Carmen

Into the summer heat of New York’s Spanish Harlem strides Carmen, a chica who is as hot as the sizzling city streets. When she first meets Jose, she falls for him hard. He’s not like the gansta types she knows—tipo duros who are tough, who think they are players. But Jose has a quick temper, and he likes to get his own way. And nobody gets in Carmen’s way.?

When Escamillo rolls into town, everyone takes notice of the Latino Jay-Z—a quadruple-threat singer/rapper/producer/businessman. But he only notices one person—Carmen. And Carmen has given up on Jose—he’s not going to get her out of her tough neighborhood, el barrio, and into the action. Escamillo will.

But Jose won’t let that happen.

Passion, love, and betrayal explode into tragedy in this modern retelling of an enduring love story.?

"...this concentrated dose of high drama is full of sharp repartee and would make a lively classroom read-aloud." - Publisher's Weekly

Walter Dean Myers is one of the most renowned writers working today and has published in many genres, including nonfiction, picture books, poetry, historical novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is best known for his gritty urban YA novels, particularly those set in his beloved Harlem, including the New York Times Best-Selling Monster.?

Myers has received many awards and honors for his work, including two Newbery Honor Awards, the first Michael L. Printz Award, five Coretta Scott King Awards, the Margaret Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the new Virginia Hamilton–Coretta Scott King Lifetime Achievement Award.?

Walter Dean Myers grew up in New York City’s Harlem, where he sets this retelling of Carmen. You can visit him online at www.walterdeanmyers.net.