"The Young Landlords" is a young adult novel by Walter Dean Myers, first published in 1979. The story takes place in Harlem and follows a group of six teenagers who become landlords of a building after its previous owner dies.
The group consists of African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican teenagers who come from different backgrounds and have different personalities. They quickly discover that owning a building is not as glamorous as it seems, and they must work together to deal with the many challenges that come with their new responsibility.
As they try to manage the building, they also become involved in the lives of its tenants and learn about the issues facing their community. They confront issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality, and they use their position as landlords to try to make a difference.
Throughout the novel, the young landlords must confront their own prejudices and biases as they learn to work together and see beyond their differences. They also learn important lessons about responsibility, leadership, and the power of community.
"The Young Landlords" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that explores themes of social justice, identity, and community. It is a classic in young adult literature that remains relevant today.