Walter Dean Myers

(Hardback)

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Description

Walter Dean Myers, acclaimed author of African American books for children and young adults, published his first book, Where Does the Day Go in 1969. He is most widely known for his coming-of-age novels including the Newbery Honor books Scorpions (1989) and Somewhere in the Darkness (1993). A prolific author of both fiction and nonfiction, novels and historical works examined here include Fallen Angels, The Glory Field, Monster and Shooters. Myers has written over 70 books, the most recent also illustrated by his son Christopher. He volunteers at local schools to encourage students in their reading and writing.

Reviews

Marler analyzes the life and works of the accomplished author. The first two chapters are devoted to a brief biography and the historical and cultural influences on Myers's writing. The remainder of the volume looks at his books, including comparisons of plots and characters as well as thematic development within each novel Throughout the book, Marler emphasizes the importance of Myer's writings and their significance to teens facing socioeconomic challenges. * School Library Journal *
Marler offers personal stories from Myers's life that served as inspiration for his books and may also serve to inspire his young readers. She describes his life growing up with the Harlem family that adopted him as a toddler, the influence of his English teachers, the role that basketball played in keeping him from the temptations of the street, the impact of the Vietnam War, which claimed his brother's life, and his career as a children's book author. Marler addresses the history of African Americans as a way of contextualizing his life and illuminating his historical fiction and nonfiction for young readers. Also in this volume are a series foreward, a preface, a bibliography, and an index. * MultiCultural Review *

Author Bio

Myrna Dee Marler is an associate professor of English at Brigham Young University, Hawaii campus.