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I came to Harlem from West Virginia when I was three…

“I came to Harlem from West Virginia when I was three, after my mother died. My father, who was very poor, gave me up to two wonderful people, my foster parents.” quote by Walter Dean Myers
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“I came to Harlem from West Virginia when I was three, after my mother died. My father, who was very poor, gave me up to two wonderful people, my foster parents.”

Walter Dean Myers

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author recounts being placed with foster parents after his mother’s death and his father’s poverty.

In simple terms: Orphaned child raised by foster parents.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge the impact of early loss.

Themes

family poverty foster care

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • childhood trauma
  • adoption
  • social services

Key Concepts

Resilience social support

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did foster care influence your worldview?
  • What support helped you overcome loss?
A Different Perspective

Early hardship can shape identity.

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