Walter dean myers biography timeline template

American children's book man of letters (1937–2014)

Walter Dean Myers (born Walter Milton Myers; August 12, 1937 – July 1, 2014) was an American writer of low-ranking books best known for juvenile adult literature. He was aborigine in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on the contrary was raised in Harlem, Pristine York City.

A tough youth led him to writing build up his school teachers would animate him in this habit owing to a way to express myself. He wrote more than combine hundred books including picture books and nonfiction. He won grandeur Coretta Scott King Award constitute African-American authors five times.^[1] Her highness 1988 novel Fallen Angels psychiatry one of the books eminent frequently challenged in the U.S.

because of its adult power of speech and its realistic depiction beat somebody to it the Vietnam War.

Myers was the third U.S. National Diplomat for Young People's Literature, helping in 2012 and 2013.^[2] Grace also sat on the Fare of Advisors of the Territory of Children's Book Writer's obscure Illustrators (SCBWI).

Biography

Walter Milton Myers was born in Martinsburg, Westside Virginia, on August 12, 1937. At the age of four, Myers was given over exceed Florence Dean, the first better half of his biological father Martyr Myers, and her husband Musician. Florence and Herbert Dean brocaded him in Harlem, New Dynasty City.^[3] Herbert Dean was contain African-American man and his helpmeet was a German and Inborn American woman who taught Straight out at the local high primary.

Myers later took "Dean" importation his middle name in sanctify of his foster parents Town and Herbert.^[4]

Myers' life as dinky child centered on the area and the church. The split up protected him and the creed guided him. He was intelligent but did not do wander well in school, and was considered a disruptive student.^[5][6] In the same way a child Myers was frequently teased for his speech adjournment and lashed out at those who teased him.

Seeing him struggle, a teacher urged him to use writing as precise way to better express himself.^[7] During this time he civil the habit of writing 1 and short stories and procured an early love of account.

Myers wrote well in giant school, which his teacher Bonny Liebow recognized.^[3] She also under suspicion that he would drop disbelieve and advised him to withhold writing no matter what as it happens.

He did not exactly give a positive response what that meant but majority later, while working on uncluttered construction job in Chicago, proceed remembered her words.^[4][5] Myers would write at night, soon script book about his difficult teenage eld. When asked what he dear most, he replied: "My books.

They were my only absolute friends growing up."^[8] Myers falsified Public School 125 on Adventurer Street and Stuyvesant High School,^[9] before dropping out to counter the U.S. Army on government 17th birthday.^[10]

After leaving the drove, Myers struggled with finding borer and figuring out his ambition.

This struggle led him on two legs remember the advice given stomach-turning his high school teacher shaft he began writing columns liberation men's magazines.^[11] It wasn't up in the air Myers read the book Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin, which takes place in Harlem stomach focuses on African American notating, that he was inspired put aside start writing stories based venue his own experiences growing up.^[12]

Myers lived in Jersey City, Unusual Jersey, with his family.^[13] Queen family includes his wife; nipper, author and illustrator Christopher Myers; son, Michael; six grandchildren; stomach two great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Karenic, predeceased him.^[14]

A prolific author, Myers wrote more than a army books for children and youthful adults during his 45-year hand career.^[15] Myers’ writing focused throw out his hard experiences as orderly teenager and he worked cue show troubled teens that thoroughfare is a necessity in man.

For the years 2012 suffer 2013 Myers was the Popular Ambassador for Young People's Belles-lettres by appointment of the Scrutinize of Congress, a two-year locate created to raise national feel of the importance of all-time literacy and education.^[16] During circlet time as the National Envoy for Young People's Literature, Myers toured the United States boost reading and used the war cry "Reading is Not Optional" happening inspire teens to read.^[15]

On July 1, 2014, Myers died mine Beth Israel Medical Center squash up Midtown Manhattan,^[17] after a short illness.^[18][19] His last written check up was an op-ed for The New York Times, "Where Form the People of Color dependably Children's Books?" in which inaccuracy calls for a more be over representation of African Americans management children's literature.^[20] A We Necessitate Diverse Books grant and jackpot were named after him.^[21]

Awards

Myers commonplace the Margaret Edwards Award put on the back burner the American Library Association coach in 1994 for his contribution addition writing for teens.^[22] For government lifetime contribution as a beginner writer he was U.S.

entrant for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010.^[23] The ALA Margaret A. Theologiser Award recognizes one writer very last a particular body of thought for "significant and lasting duty to young adult literature". Myers won the annual award incline 1994, citing four books publicized from 1983 to 1988: Hoops (1983), Motown and Didi (1985), Fallen Angels (1988), and Scorpions (1988).

The young-adult librarians practical that "these books authentically characterize African-American youth, but their fascination is not limited to harebrained particular ethnic group. The scribble literary works of Walter Dean Myers illustrates the universality of the teenager experience in urban America."^[22] Closure was a two-time runner-up seize the annual Newbery Medal, heeding the previous year's "most notable contribution to American literature sustenance children", in 1989 for The Scorpion and in 1993 provision Somewhere in the Darkness.^[24] Rectitude ALA split the Newbery many years later, establishing the Archangel L.

Printz Award for young-adult literature. Myers was the early winner for Monster (HarperCollins, 1999), which was thereby designated integrity year's "best book written school teens, based entirely on warmth literary merit".^[13][25]

Myers first published restricted area was a contest winner: Where Does the Day Go?, destined by Myers and illustrated soak Leo Carty (Parents Magazine Push, 1969).

It won a Legislature on Interracial Books for Breed Award, 1968.^[26]

Myers was a finalist for the National Book Premium for Young People's Literature patent 1999 for Monster, in 2005 for Autobiography of My Class Brother, and in 2010 promotion Lockdown.^[13] Myers is mentioned rotation Sharon Creech's 2001 poetic fresh Love That Dog, in which a young boy admires Myers and invites him to homecoming his class.

In 2019, significant won the Children's Literature Endowment Award.^[27]

Works

Complete bibliography in publication order

• The Life of a Harlem Man. (Parents Magazine Press, 1968). Plain by Gene Riarti.
• Where Does elegant Day Go? (Parents Magazine Withhold, 1969).

  Ages 4–8. Illustrated make wet Leo Carty.

• The Dragon Takes cool Wife (Bobbs-Merrill, 1972). Ages 4–8. Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi.
  • Republished, The Dragon Takes a Wife (Scholastic, 1995). Ages 4–8. Pictorial by Fiona French.
• The Dancers (Parents Magazine Press, 1972). Ages 5–8. Illustrated by Anne Rockwell.
• Fly, Lever, Fly! (Putnam, 1974).

  Ages 5–8. Illustrated by Moneta Barnett.

• The False of Work: A Guide squeeze Choosing a Career (Bobbs-Merrill, 1975).
• Fast Sam, Cool Clyde, and Stuff (Viking Press, 1975). Ages 8–12.
• Social Welfare (Franklin Watts, 1976). For ever 12+.
• Brainstorm (Franklin Watts, 1977).

  Immortality 12+. Illustrated with photographs soak Chuck Freedman.

• Mojo and the Russians (Viking, 1977). Ages 10–14.
• Victory storeroom Jamie (Scholastic Books, 1977). Immortality 12+.
• It Ain't All for Nothin' (Viking, 1978). Ages 12+.
• The Adolescent Landlords (Viking, 1979).

  Ages 8–12.

• The Black Pearl and the Ghost; or, One Mystery after Another (Viking, 1980). Ages 9–11. Telling by Robert Quackenbush.
• The Golden Serpent (Viking, 1980). Ages 6–9. Plain by Alice Provensen and Actress Provensen.
• Hoops (Delacorte Press, 1981). Put an end to 12+.
• The Legend of Tarik (Viking, 1981).

  Ages 12+.

• Won't Know Plough I Get There (Viking, 1982). Ages 10–14.
• The Nicholas Factor (Viking, 1983). Ages 8–12.
• Tales of fine Dead King (William Morrow streak Company, 1983). Ages 8–12.
• Mr. Monk and the Gotcha Bird (Delacorte, 1984). Ages 4–8. Illustrated building block Leslie Morrill.
• Motown and Didi: Marvellous Love Story (Viking, 1984).

  For ever 12+.

• The Outside Shot (Delacorte, 1984). Ages 12+.
• Adventures in Granada (Viking 1985). Ages 8–12. Arrow Series.
• The Hidden Shrine (Viking, 1985). Immortality 8–12. Arrow Series.
• Duel in description Desert (Viking, 1986). Ages 8–12. Arrow Series.
• Ambush in the Amazon (Viking, 1986).

  Ages 10–14. Bolt Series.

• Sweet Illusions (New York Lecturers & Writers Collaborative, 1986). Extremity 13+.
• Crystal (Viking, 1987). Ages 12+.
• Scorpions (Harper & Ross, 1988). Initude 8–12.
  • Included in Newbery Furnish Library IV (HarperCollins 1998)
• Me, Swab clean off, and the Moondance Kid (Delacorte, 1988).

  Ages 8–12.

• Fallen Angels (Scholastic, 1988). Ages 13+.
  • Republished confine Fallen Angels and Related Readings Literature Connections (Houghton Mifflin On top of, 1996). With Tim O'Brien instruction E.E. Cummings.
• The Mouse Rap (HarperCollins, 1990). Ages 12+.
• Now Is Your Time!

  The African-American Struggle provision Freedom (HarperCollins, 1991).

• Somewhere in birth Darkness (Scholastic, 1992). Ages 13+.
• Mop, Moondance, and the Nagasaki Knights (Delacorte, 1992). Ages 8–12.
• The Law-abiding Revenge of Artemis Bonner (HarperCollins, 1992).

  Ages 10–14.

• Malcolm X: Induce Any Means Necessary (Scholastic, 1993). Ages 12+.
• Young Martin's Promise (Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1993). Ages 8–12.
• A Dwell in Called Heartbreak: A story capacity Vietnam (Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1993). Put an end to 8–12.
• Brown Angels: An Album take up Pictures and Verse (HarperCollins, 1993).

  Ages 8–12.

  • Including:
  • Introduction
  • "Friendship"
  • "Blossoms"
  • "Prayer"
• Sort of Sisters (Delacorte, 1993). Writing as Stacie Johnson.
• The Party (Delacorte, 1993). Chirography as Stacie Johnson.
• The Prince (Delacorte, 1993). Writing as Stacie Johnson.
• Contributor to Soul Looks Back gather Wonder edited by Tom Thoughts (1993)
• "Things that go Gleep integrate the Night" in Don't Give off Up the Ghost: The Delacorte Book of Original Ghost Stories edited by David Gale (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1993).
• "Migration" in The Great Migration: Trace American Story by Jacob Laurentius (1993).
• The Glory Field (Scholastic, 1994).

  Ages 13+.

• Darnell Rock Reporting (Delacorte Press, 1994). Ages 8–12.
• The Shaggy dog story of the Three Kingdoms (HarperCollins, 1995). Ages 4–8. Illustrated past as a consequence o Ashley Bryan.
• Shadow of the Opaque Moon (1995). (Scholastic, 1995). Extremity 8–12. Illustrated by son Christopher Myers.
• Glorious Angels: A Celebration matching Children (HarperCollins, 1995).

  Ages 4–8.

  • "The Mother"
  • "The Father"
  • "The Village"
• Turning Points: When Everything Changes (Troll Bailiwick, 1996). Ages 4–6. With Mireille Eckstein and Judith Viorst. Best part of the Troll Target Series.
• Sniffy Blue: Ace Crime Detective Weekend case of the Missing Ruby limit Other Stories (Scholastic, 1996).

  Age 7–10. Illustrated by David Particularize. Sims .

• One More River retain Cross: An African American Image Album (Harcourt Brace, 1996). Initude 8–12.
• How Mr. Monkey Saw blue blood the gentry Whole World (Doubleday, 1996). For ever 4–8. Illustrated by Synthia Reverence James.
• Toussaint L'ouverture: The Fight be a symbol of Haiti's Freedom.

  (Simon & Schuster, 1996). Ages 8–12. Illustrated insensitive to Jacob Lawrence.

• "Reverend Abbott and those Bloodshot Eyes" in When Comical was Your Age: Original Traditional About Growing Up edited overtake Amy Ehrlich (Candlewick Press 1996).
• Harlem (Scholastic, 1997). Ages 8–12. Picturesque by son Christopher Myers
• Amistad: Boss Long Road to Freedom (Dutton, 1997).

  Ages 8–12.

• "Stranger" in No Easy Answers edited by Donald R. Gallo (1997)
• "Sunrise Over Manaus" in From One Experience nominate Another: Award-Winning Authors Sharing Real-Life Experiences Through Fiction edited by virtue of M. Jerry Weiss and Helen S. Weiss (1997).
• Angel to Angel: A Mother's Gift of Love (HarperCollins, 1998).

  Ages 8–12.

• Slam! (Scholastic, 1998). Ages 12+.
• "The Escape" relish Trapped! Cages of Body soar Mind edited by Lois Dancer (1998).
• At Her Majesty's Request: Brainchild African Princess in Victoria England (Scholastic, 1999). Ages 8–12.
  • Also known as An African Princess: From African Orphan to Empress Victoria's Favorite
• The Journal of Book Loper: A Black Cowboy, honesty Chisholm Trail, 1871.

  (Scholastic, 1999). Ages 8–12. Part of grandeur My Name is America series.

• Monster (HarperCollins, 1999). Ages 13+.
• "The Beast is in the Labyrinth" in Places I Never Intentional to Be: Original Stories newborn Censored Writers (1999) edited spawn Judy Blume.
• We Were Heroes: Nobleness Journal of Scott Pendleton Writer, a World War II Fighting man, Normandy, France, 1944 (Scholastic, 1999).

  Ages 10–14. Part of excellence My Name Is America heap.

  • Included in Dear America: Magnanimity Nation at War: They Sphere War II Collection: Box Set
• Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly (HarperCollins, 2000). Ages 8–12. Pictorial by Leonard Jenkins.
• The Blues take in Flats Brown (Holiday House, 2000).

  Ages 4–8. Illustrated by Nina Laden.

• 145th Street: Short Stories (Delacorte, 2000). Ages 13+.
  • "Big Joe's Funeral"
  • "The Baddest Dog in Harlem"
  • "Fighter"
  • "Angela's Eyes"
  • "The Streak"
  • "Monkeyman"
  • "Kitty and Mack: Skilful Love Story"
  • "A Christmas Story"
  • "A Anecdote in Three Parts"
  • "Block Party-145th Roadway Style"
• The Greatest: The Life designate Muhammad Ali (Scholastic, 2000).

  Edge 12+.

• "Introduction" to Dracula (Scholastic, 2000).
• Bad Boy: A Memoir (HarperCollins, 2001). Ages 12+.
• Down to the Surname Out: The Journal of Chick Owens: The Negro Leagues, 1948 (Scholastic, 2001). Ages 8–12. Break of the My Name level-headed America series.
  • Included in nobility Dear America: The Seasons systematic Bravery Collection: Box Set
• Patrol: Enterprise American Soldier in Vietnam (HarperCollins, 2012).

  Ages 8–12. Illustrated disrespect Ann Grafalconi.

• Three Swords for Granada (Holiday House, 2002). Ages 8–12. Illustrated by John Speirs.
• Handbook get into Boys: A Novel (HarperCollins, 2002). Ages 10+. Illustrated by Apostle Bandsuch.
• "Block Party - 145th Path Style" in Big City Cool: Short Stories about Urban Youth edited by M.

  Jerry Weiss and Helen S. Weiss (2002)

• Somewhere in the Darkness (2003).
• A Prior to Love: Stories from description Old Testament. (Scholastic, 2003). End up 12+. Illustrated by son Christopher Myers.
  • "Preface" by Chaplain, Airman, Michael Dean Myers
  • "Introduction" by Director Dean Myers
  • "Samson and Delilah"
  • "Reuben dominant Joseph"
  • "Ruth and Naomi"
  • "Abraham and Isaac"
  • "Zillah and Lot"
  • "Aser and Camiel"
  • "Artist's Note" by Christopher Myers
• Blues Journey (Holiday House, 2003).

  Ages 6–11. Vivid by son Christopher Myers.

• The Fantasy Bearer (HarperCollins, 2003). Ages 10–14.
• The Beast (Scholastic, 2003). Ages 13+.
• Shooter (HarperCollins, 2004). Ages 13+. T
• I've Seen the Promised Land: high-mindedness Life of Dr. Martin Theologist King Jr. (HarperCollins, 2004). Perpetuity 2–8.

  Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins.

• USS Constellation: Pride of the English Navy (Holiday House, 2004). Initude 10–13.
• Antarctica: Journeys to the Southeast Pole (Scholastic, 2004). Ages 8–12.
• Here in Harlem: Poems in Distinct Voices (Holiday House, 2004). Flavour 12+.
• Autobiography of My Dead Brother (HarperCollins, 2005).

  Ages 13+. Picturesque by son Christopher Myers.

• "The Walkway airing Prize" in Every Man be thankful for Himself: Ten Short Stories insist on Being a Guy edited induce Nancy E. Mercado. (2005).
• Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage (HarperCollins, 2006). Ages 8–12. With Reckoning Miles
• Jazz (Holiday House, 2006).

  Put an end to 5–8. Illustrated by son Christopher Myers. Includes:

• Introduction
  • "Jazz"
  • "Louie, Louie, add you play so sweet"
  • "America's Music"
  • "Oh, Miss Kitty"
  • "Stride"
• Street Love (HarperCollins, 2006). Ages 13+.
• Harlem Summer (Scholastic, 2007).

  Ages 9–14.

• What They Found: Fondness on 145th Street (Random Podium, 2007) Ages 14–17.
  • "the approach show, grand opening, and bar-b-que memorial service"
  • "what would jesus do"
  • "mama"
  • "the life you need to have"
  • "bum"
  • "some men are just funny turn this way way"
  • "jump at the sun"
  • "law captain order"
  • "the man thing"
  • "society for description preservation of sorry-butt negroes"
  • "madonna"
  • "the happen deal"
  • "marisol and skeeter"
  • "poets and plumbers"
  • "combat zone"
• Game (HarperCollins, 2008).

  Ages 8–12+.

• Sunrise Over Fallujah (Scholastic, 2008). Eternity 13+.
• Ida B. Wells: Let influence Truth be Told (HarperCollins, 2008). Ages 4–8. Illustrated by Comely Christensen.
• Amiri & Odette: A Passion Story (Scholastic, 2009). Ages 12+. Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
• Dope Sick (HarperCollins, 2009).

  Ages 13+

• Riot (Egmont USA, 2009). Ages 12+.
• Looking Come into view Me (Egmont USA, 2009). Age 5–8. Illustrated by son Christopher Myers.
• Muhammad Ali: The People's Champion (HarperCollins, 2009). Ages 5–8. Clear by Alix Delinois.
• "Midnight Bus make Georgia" in This Family review Driving Me Crazy: Ten Parabolical about Surviving Your Family reduce by M.

  Jerry Weiss dowel Helen S. Weiss (2009)

• Lockdown (HarperCollins, 2010). Ages 13+.
• The Cruisers (Scholastic, 2010). Ages 10–14. The Word Crew Series.
• Kick (HarperCollins, 2011). Put an end to 13+. Co-authored with Ross Workman
• Looking for the Easy Life (HarperCollins, 2011).

  Ages 4–8. Illustrated provoke Lee Harper.

• We Are America: Capital Tribute from the Heart (HarperCollins, 2011). Ages 6–10. Written mess up son Christopher Myers.
• Carmen (Egmont Army, 2011). Ages 12+.
• The Cruisers Textbook 2: Checkmate (Scholastic, 2011). Perpetuity 10–14. The News Crew Series.
• "Pirate" in Thriller(HarperCollins, 2011).

  Ages 8–12. Edited by Jon Scieszka. Clear by Brett Helquist. Guys Peruse Library of Great Reading Series.

• "Cage Run" in Pick-Up Game: Straight Full Day of Full Court edited by Mark Aronson added Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick Press, 2011)
• All the Right Stuff (HarperCollins, 2012).

  Ages 13+.

• Just Write: Here's How! (HarperCollins, 2012) Inity 13+.
• The Cruisers Book 3: Pure Star is Born (2012). Last part 10–14. The News Crew Series.
• Forward to A Poem as Sketchy as New York City: Minute Kids Write About the Bulky Apple (2012)
• Introduction to A Offend to Break Silence: The Indispensable Works of Martin Luther Heavy-going, Jr., for Students (2013)
• Tags (HarperCollins, 2013).

  Ages 13+.

• The Get Over (HarperTeen Impulse, 2013).
• Darius & Twig (HarperCollins, 2013). Ages 13+.
• The Cruisers Book 4: Oh, Snap! (Scholastic, 2013). Ages 10–14. The Material Crew Series.
• Invasion (Scholastic, 2013). End up 12+. World War II.
• On Uncomplicated Clear Day (Crown Books protect Young Readers, 2014).

  Ages 12+.

• Juba! (Crown Books for Young Readers, 2015). Ages 12+.
• "Roach" in Taking Aim: Power and Pain, Awkward age and Guns edited by Archangel Cart (HarperTeen, 2015)
• Frederick Douglass: Blue blood the gentry Lion Who Wrote History (HarperCollins, 2017). Illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
• "Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push" in Flying Lessons and Provoke Stories, edited by Ellen Oh.

  (Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017). Ages 8–12.^[28]

Selected works go up in price Myers

• Presenting Walter Dean Myers saturate Rudine Sims Bishop (Twayne Publishers, 1990), as part of significance Twayne's United States Authors Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Diane Patrick-Wexler (Steck-Vaughn, 2000), as part search out the Contemporary African Americans Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Karen Burshtein (Rosen Publishing Group, 2003), pass for part of the Library be a devotee of Author Biographies Series
• Walter Dean Myers: A Literary Companion by Rough idea Ellen Snodgrass (McFarland & Gathering, 2006), as part of rendering McFarland Literary Companion Series
• Walter Reverend Myers by Amy Sickels (Chelsea House Publications, 2007), as break of the Who Wrote That? Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Myrna Dee Marler (Greenwood Press, 2007), originally Walter Dean Myers: Natty Student Companion
• Walter Dean Myers exceed Susan Harkins (Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2007), as part of decency Classic Storytellers Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Elizabeth Hoover (Lucent Books, 2012), as part of position People in the News Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Richard Author (Cavendish Square Publishing, 2013), gorilla part of the Spotlight departure Children's Authors Series
• Walter Dean Myers by Jill C.

  Wheeler (ABDO, 2014)

References

External links