All the Right Stuff - by Walter Dean Myers (Paperback)

About the Book

A "New York Times"-bestselling author and current National Ambassador of Young People's Literature tackles the social contract from a teen's perspective in one of his most thought-provoking novels to date. Myers weaves together political philosophy, basketball, and making soup in Harlem, with the depth that defines his writing career.

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers tackles the social contract from a teen's perspective in his novel All the Right Stuff. In one of his most thought-provoking novels to date, Myers weaves together political philosophy, basketball, and making soup in Harlem, with the depth that defines his writing career.

After his father is shot and killed, Paul Dupree finds a summer job at a Harlem soup kitchen. Elijah, the soup man, questions Paul about tough life choices, even though Paul would rather be playing basketball. Over the summer, Paul begins to understand the importance of taking control of your life.

All the Right Stuff includes a Q&A between Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman, coauthor of Kick.

From the Back Cover

For Paul DuPree, life is about to get real.

Paul is just coasting after his dad is shot and killed.

Elijah won't stop talking about philosophy and how it affects Paul's life.

Keisha has crazy basketball skills . . . and a baby daughter at home.

Sly may be sleazy, may be wise. He's the Harlem dude who sees the "social contract" as a tool to keep the poor down.

This summer is about more than getting by. It's about taking charge of your life.

Review Quotes

"Myers has cooked up a provocative novel that simmers long after its last pages." -- Chicago Sun-Times

"[E]ngrossing and fast-paced... a must-read novel." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"[R]ewarding. A good fit for school libraries in which the social contract is taught or emphasized." -- School Library Journal

"[B]egins with a bang." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)