1. Dorit “The Treasure of Lemon Brown”
Walter Dean Myers

2. Literary Focus The Writer’s Background
Writers often draw on their own backgrounds to create a story.
The setting of the story is Harlem, where Myers grew up in the ‘40s.

3. Vocabulary Terms 1. impromptu: adj.; unplanned
2. tentatively: adv.; in an uncertain or hesitant way
3. intently: adv.; with close attention
4. brittle: adj.; having a sharp, hard quality; ready to break
5. ominous: adj.; threatening

4. Review Questions (page 740)
Q1. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?

5. Question 1 Answer
Q1. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?
Answer:
Perhaps Greg fears his father will punish him for entering the tenement; maybe Greg decides to keep this experience a secret in order to treasure it more.

6. Question 2
Q2. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?

7. Question 2 Answer Answer:
Q2. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?
Answer:
Greg learns that people are not always what they appear to be. He comes to view the idea of treasure in a new light; he realizes that his father wants to pass on something valuable to him.

8. Question 3
Q3. What does Lemon Brown mean when he says that everyone’s got a treasure?

9. Question 3 Answer Answer:
Q3. What does Lemon Brown mean when he says that everyone’s got a treasure?
Answer:
He means that everyone has something of personal value, even if it appears worthless to others.

10. Question 4
Q4. Lemon Brown says, “If you know your pappy did something, you know you can do something too.” What does he mean? Do you agree? Explain.

11. Question 4 Answer Answer:
Q4. Lemon Brown says, “If you know your pappy did something, you know you can do something too.” What does he mean? Do you agree? Explain.
Answer:
He might mean that the achievements of parents can encourage children to achieve.

12. Reading Check PLOT
Basic situation: Because Greg is angry with his father, he does not go ______.
Event 1: He goes into the _______ to get out of the ______.
Event 2: Greg meets _____.
Event 3: Thugs enter intending to steal Brown’s _____.
Climax: Greg and Brown ______________.
Resolution: Smiling, Greg goes _____.