By Esther Callens
Walter Dean Myers is a prominent figure in the world of literature, as his work has made a prolific impact.
This month, his latest young adult release, Invasion will be available in retail. Superbly written detailing all the consequences of war, Invasion offers an unforgettable read that is absorbingly realistic from beginning to end.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Fallen Angel, a Myers’ young adult classic about the Vietnam War. Sunrise Over Fallujah, another title, followed in 2008. Invasion is the prequel of these classic reads. It also continues to keep in the forefront the military men of the Perry lineage.
Invasion introduces readers to Marcus Perry and Josiah Wedgewood. These young soldiers (one Black and one white) are friends from the same town. Little did they know that soon they would be fighting in World War II. What occurs leaves a lasting imprint on their young lives forever. Willingly or not they quickly come face to face with death and draws from it what really matters. Myers literally puts readers on the front line, thereby letting them experience it all firsthand. In doing so, young readers are taught and appreciate the invaluable price of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Walter Dean Myers is a brilliant author. His award winning titles include Somewhere in the Darkness, Monsters, Harlem, and Jazz. He is the beneficiary of numerous accolades that includes five Coretta Scott King Awards, two Newbery Honor Medals, the Margaret A. Edwards, Michael L. Printz Awards and countless others. Additionally, he is the 2012-2013 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
He was born in West Virginia and reared in Harlem. His books often mirror his life experiences as he is a veteran, his son is a career officer and his brother was a casualty of the Vietnam War. At 17, he enlisted in the Army because his foster parents could not afford college. Once he was discharged he began to write for numerous publications. This led to his first book, Where Does the Day Go?, the winning entry for the Council on Interracial Books for Children. He makes Jersey City, N.J. home.
