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Walter Dean Myers Essay

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Walter Dean Myers, born Walter Milton Myers, was born on August 12th, 1937 and died on July 1st 2014. He was an American author for children’s book. He wrote over 100 books including picture books and nonfiction books. Two of his most famous books arguably if not his most famous books are Monster (1999) and Fallen Angel (1988). Myers was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia on a Thursday. At a very young age, of 2, his mom passed away and he was sent to live with his new family Florence and Herbert Dean. Florence was African- American and Herbert was German. They love Walter unconditionally hence he was influence by their love to change his name. Growing up Walter life centered on his community and church. Despite being involved in church Walter faced challenges such as not doing well in school and was quick to react whenever teased by his peers or others. Due to these issues Walter found serenity in books. Before his mom passed away she use to read books very often to him, while she read Walter would imagine the characters. At a very tender age Walter found out that through reading and writing he can be in different places during dark times, such as when his uncle was murdered and his family became dysfunctional. Walter life as an author enhance during high school as he gained some recognition …show more content…

The book is a war novel, specifically about the Vietnam War. The book realistically describe what it was really like during the Vietnam War from 1955-1975. The realism, humor and intensity attract even reluctant readers and keep them reading and thinking about the cost of the war. The book won the 1988 Coretta Scott King Award. Fallen Angels is listed as number 16 out of 100 in the American Library Association’s list due to its use of profanity and realistic portrait of the war. Despite using profanity in the book Walter’s grammar was on point, this goes to show how talented he is as an

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