About Quote by Walter Dean Myers
“I was teased if I brought my books home. I would take a paper bag to the library and put the books in the bag and bring them home. Not that I was that concerned about them teasing me - because I would hit them in a heartbeat. But I felt a little ashamed, having books.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Young Warriors”, 1995
A child describes being teased for bringing books home, feeling ashamed yet ready to defend himself, reflecting on bullying and self‑esteem.
In simple terms: Teasing about books leads to shame and defensive anger.
Key Takeaway
Stand up against bullying and value learning.
Themes
bullying
self‑esteem
education
Mood
empathetic
serious
Type
narrative
reflective
When to use this quote
- school
- family
- peer groups
Key Concepts
adolescence
identity
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we support kids who feel ashamed?
- What alternatives to aggression exist?
A Different Perspective
May glorify violence as a response.
