MY NAME IS HARLEM
ACTION DETECTIVE DRAMA FAMILY RELIGIOUS CHILDREN'S YOUNG ADULT ADVENTURE SUSPENSE/THRILLER
1940s & '50s,1960s & '70s
MARY WAGNER
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Harlem Rose O'Brannan is a biracial child, being raised by a single mother in Bronx, New York in the 1950's. Harlem's mother's aspirations for her and her child to leave the crime and violence of the city is cut short. Harlem's life takes a huge turn when an unforeseeable event changes her life.
Genre
Action,Detective,Drama,Family,Religious,Children's,Young Adult,Adventure,Suspense/Thriller
Short Summary
Harlem's mother is calling her to get up to school for her first day at St. Anthony's Catholic School in Bronx. Her neighbor, Doris questions her as to why she wants Harlem to attend an all white Catholic School. The answer is plain and simple- Harlem will be a doctor one day
Setting
Bronx, New York and the fictional town of Kolter, West Virginia
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending,Meaningful Message,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Harlem Rose O'Brannan
Age: 8
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Charming,Aggressive,Confident,Decisive,Engaging,Faithful,Obedient,Religious,Selfless,Skillful,Funny,Educated,Honorable,Strong Moral Code,Underdog
Additional Character Details
Name: Sister Delores
Age: 40's
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Confident,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Heroic,Educated,Honorable,Leader,Religious,Obedient,Selfless,Outspoken,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Brady O'Brannan
Age: 40's
Gender: Male
Role: protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Charming,Confident,Decisive,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Flexible,Honorable,Masculine,Selfless,Skillful,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
DRAMA, SUSPENSE, ROMANCE
Brief
In the 1950s, Harlem becomes an orphan when her mother is killed by mistake in a gang confrontation. She has to stay with a grandfather she didn't even know existed. They rapidly bond, and since she has black heritage, he helps her to enroll in a segregated school and to fight against prejudice in a conservative little town. Together, they overcome a deadly challenge and live a happy life, with Harlem ending up a doctor, as her mother always dreamed her to be.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, it does depict the book properly.
Draw of Story
The fact that it is a story about a courageous and intelligent young child having to deal with racism and prejudice so early in her life.
Possible Drawbacks
Sometimes the characters are portrayed under an exaggeratedly Manichean light, with villains that feel like caricatures. Maybe the characters could have some more depth to them, even the evil ones.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
Themes of prejudice based on race and weight, the story of an old man who finds love again, and the main narrative about a child that loses one family, but ends up finding another of her choice.
Fanbase Potential
Possibly, since it's a very dramatic and engaging book.
Awards Potential
It could, if the character development is a little further explored.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
IT REMINDED ME OF THE MOVIE KRAMER VS. KRAMER, IN THE SENSE THAT A CHILD AND AN ADULT MAN HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP A WORKING PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIP IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MOTHER, AND ALSO THE FILM THE HATE U GIVE, IN WHICH A YOUNG BLACK WOMAN HAS TO DEAL WITH RACISM AND PREJUDICE ISSUES.
What’s New About the Story
The originality comes from the protagonist's profile, a young black child that is so fearless and fierce that she ends up reverting the prejudice with which she is received as she arrives in her new town. In order for the story to become more unique, it would be necessary to further develop some supporting characters' traits and eliminate some clichés.
Lead Characters
The young girl Harlem is brave, highly intelligent and determined. Her grandfather Brady has a very good heart, even if he seems a little rough on the outside. He was also scarred by the loss of his former wife and kid, and he was given another opportunity to have a family.
Uniqueness of Story
Not yet, due to some clichés and common places, which could be improved in a revision of the material.
Possible Formats
Film - Streaming, Film - Indie
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
Because it is a book with a lot of heart, and it is well written, with an appeal for the general public looking for a heart-warming story. It also deals with important issues such as racism, prejudice and family. Some of the changes that might be necessary for the possible adaptation, as mentioned before, are the further development of some secondary characters, especially the two main antagonists, that sometimes feel too one-dimensioned. Some dialogue and actions could also be a little more subtle, so that the story and the racism suffered by the protagonist could feel even more realistic and, therefore, more believable.