Myers’s take on one of the most copied stories of all literature is surprisingly fresh, and I don’t doubt its appeal to teen readers for a second. Several different characters take turns narrating the story, so the reader gets the benefit of multiple perspectives. Myers’s writing is tight, flows with a hip-hop beat, and keeps the reader moving quickly through this short novel. The novel is written entirely in short bursts of free verse poetry, which sounds like something that might turn teen readers off, but oddly enough, it works. In this modern urban retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play Romeo and Juliet, Myers brings a new spin on the story to a new generation. What will Damien have to do to make sure that he and Junice can stay together? As Damien defies his parents’ wishes by continuing his relationship with Junice, he finds his life going in a direction he never expected. Damien and Junice are so different, but when they meet, it is love at first sight. Junice and her sister are in danger of being separated and put into foster care, and it doesn’t seem like Junice can do anything to stop it. Her mother is in prison for dealing drugs, and it’s up to Junice to support herself and her little sister.

Junice is a 16-year-old girl who is struggling just to stay off the streets.

His family has supported him and sacrificed to make his life comfortable and build a promising future for him. Will they ever find a way to be together?ĭamien is a 17-year-old basketball whiz and star student with college in his immediate future. Damien and Junice come from very different backgrounds, but they fall in love nonetheless.

Street Love by Walter Dean Myers