Since celebrated writer Walter Dean Myers celebrated his birthday this month (August 12, actually) I’ve been asking several staff members which Myers books they’ve read. Of course this lead to a discussion of favorites, and in honor of Mr. Myers‘ birthday we thought we’d share them with you. Here are our staff’s most loved books by one of the most revolutionary children’s authors of our time:
Dope Sick
Myers blurs the fine line between reality and surreality in his latest. Lil J has gotten caught up in a drug deal he never intended to be a part of. In fact, his intentions for the day were to get a real job to help support his mom. Chased into a run down apartment building, he runs into a strange man who seems to know way more about Lil J than he should. This novel is fast-paced, strikingly rich, and important.
-reviewed by Emily
Monster
This innovative, award-winning novel straddles the fence between movie script, noir fiction, and sociological thriller. If you want your pre-teen/teen to turn off those television cop dramas that are so ubiquitous in our lives, Walter Dean Myers’ book is the answer to your prayers. A great read.
-reviewed by Brian C.
Sunrise Over Fallujah
Walter Dean Myers is a fearless writer – in Sunset Over Fallujah, he takes his readers to war. As a soldier in a Civil Affairs unit, Robin Perry has chosen to serve his country, but at the same time feels conflicted about the purpose of the Iraq war. Like many of Myers’ characters, Robin is reflective and self-aware; he is understated but in constant contact with his powerful emotions. He is also courageously honest. But this is not primarily a story of war – it’s the transformation of a boy into a man, and the development of relationships – some life-changing and some short-lived – all of which is achingly true to life.
-reviewed by Beth
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