Walter Dean Myers is an accomplished author who has written numerous books, including "The Treasure of Lemon Brown." This short story is about a teenage boy named Greg who is struggling in school and has recently gotten into a fight with his father. One night, while trying to escape the anger and tension at home, Greg takes a walk through his neighborhood and stumbles upon an old man named Lemon Brown, who is living in an abandoned building.
At first, Greg is hesitant to approach Lemon Brown, but the old man invites him inside and begins to tell him about his life. Lemon Brown was once a blues musician and had traveled all over the country, performing and living a carefree life. However, he eventually settled down and had a family, only to lose them all to tragedy. Lemon Brown has been living alone in the abandoned building for years, and he feels that he has nothing left to live for.
As Lemon Brown tells Greg his story, the boy begins to see that the old man is more than just a homeless person living in an abandoned building. He is a man who has lived a rich and fulfilling life, filled with adventure and love. Greg realizes that he has much to learn from Lemon Brown and decides to stay with him for a while.
Throughout their time together, Greg and Lemon Brown form a bond that helps both of them in different ways. Greg learns about the importance of cherishing the relationships in his life and not taking them for granted, while Lemon Brown is reminded of the joy that can be found in life, even in the darkest of times.
In the end, Greg returns home, ready to reconcile with his father and work harder in school. He also takes with him the valuable lesson that he learned from Lemon Brown: that true treasure is not found in material possessions, but in the experiences and relationships that we have in life.
"The Treasure of Lemon Brown" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that teaches valuable lessons about the importance of relationships and the true meaning of wealth. It is a testament to the talent and insight of its author, Walter Dean Myers, who has contributed significantly to the literary world through his powerful and impactful stories.