Walter Dean Myers published his first story in 1968. Now, more than four decades later he is still writing and entertaining teen audiences with his urban stories about African American youth. Here is a collection of articles where you can learn more about the life of this award winning author, read reviews on three of his most talked about books, and get his views on censorship.
1. Walter Dean Myers: Award Winning Young Adult Author
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers grew up in 1940s Harlem and was raised by a foster family. Smart, athletic, and often in trouble, Myers knew he needed to find a way to pull himself out of the streets and into a better life. In this article you will find information about his youth, his time in the military, and his proflific writing career that spans four decades.
2. Walter Dean Myers on Censorship: Defending the Right to Read
Myers is no stranger to controversy. Several of his books have been challenged across the country. From war to poverty, he writes from his own experiences and he writes what teens want to read. His books have garnered awards and outrage. Read this article to learn more about Walter Dean Myers views on censorship.
3. Teen Book Review: Fallen Angels By Walter Dean Myers
PriceGrabber
Winner of the 1989 Coretta Scott King Award, this book is Myers tribute to the young men who fought in the Vietnam War. Seventeen year old Richard Perry thought enlisting in the Vietnam War would solve all his problems about what to do with his life. His idealistic notions about war turn into nightmares when he is dropped down into the middle of a war zone jungle to face the enemy and death.
4. Teen Book Review: Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Is Steve Harmon really a monster? Sixteen and on trial for being an accomplice to robbery and murder, Steve writes a movie script that retells the events leading up to his imprisonment. Whether or not Steve is innocent is something the reader must determine as the events of his life are played out in prison and in the courtroom. Monster was awarded the 2000 Michael L. Printz Award, the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and was a 1999 National Book Finalist.
5. Teen Book Review: Shooter by Walter Dean Myers
HarperCollins
Written as a threat analysis report, Shooter is the story of a seventeen year old boy who took a gun to school one morning in order to "stop the violence". Comprised of police reports, interviews, diary entries, and medical reports, this story analyzes the bullying and self-destructive behaviors that push some kids over the edge.