Day 10 : Perhaps the Best African American YA author -- Walter Dean Myers

     Walter Dean Myers.  His works are the definition of engaging stories featuring African American characters.    His works has spanned over five decades, and countless number of teens, black and white alike, have enjoyed his books.  In July of 2014 Mr. Myers passed away but  his legacy as one the brightest African American writers has been solidified.  From picture books, to history books  and  drama YA novels,  Mr. Myers' shared his talent with the hopes of entertaining as well as educating his audience.    His earliest work written in 1979, Mojo and the Russians,  was a book assignment for this shy, avid reader and new kid on the block. In eighth grade  my English teacher instructed his 8th grade class to pick out a book that had characters that were different than themselves.  In other words, select a book that has a character living in world very different than their own.  I couldn't chose a book, nothing seemed appealing, so my teacher chose for me.   Thus began the lifelong love of reading Mr Myers' words.  

    Most, if not all of,  Mr. Myers stories are set in urban areas like Harlem and his characters are are predominately African American.   Mojo and the Russians was a catchy title that made me believe that the book was about a young person's encounter with Russian neighbors   Having a curiosity and interest in the Russian culture, the hope was that this would provide an opportunity to learn about Russian culture and perhaps why a family would emigrate  to America.  The old adage, never judge a book by it's cover should pertain as well to the title.   That is not what this story is about.  Instead, it was a fantastical adventure with young teens who believed their friend was in danger and Russian Spies were to blame.   Throughly thought provoking book?  Not really but it was a fun trip and the book report earned me a decent B.     Now, I bring up this title not because it is significant to Black History Month but because the author is one of the best authors in fiction and nonfiction, in which black history and culture play a huge role  in his stories.  Mojo was a pleasant introduction to Mr. Myers' works but Myers'  Monster  is  the work that has earned high praise for being gritty, smart and intriguing.  If one ever needed to read a book about crime,  trials and African Americans, this is the one to read.  

    A brief background to Monster, written approximately 20 years after Mojo and the Russians.  Myers' begins the Young Adult drama novel through the eyes of  "Monster". who is standing trial for a robbery gone wrong.   As the reader follow the trial,  Steve, the sixteen year old on trial for his role in a savage murder, is writing down his experiences in the form of a screen play.  As the reader follows the story, the question of Steve's innocence or guilt is placed upon the reader.  Was he guilty?   Should he be in jail?  It is by far, one of the most interesting ways to tell a story and at the same time engage  the reader to think about public opinion, facts and where the truth lies.  It is especially thought provoking became Steve is a young black man and he is being seen as a "monster" , perhaps even by his own father.   The reader has to wonder if Steve would have had a different trial if were a white boy? 

    Mr Myers' works are thought provoking and intends for the reader s to walk away asking new questions about the world and our society in particular.  His works remain for readers of all ages to enjoy.  Ask any librarian or bookseller for his books and there are a plethora to examine and explore.   My introduction to his work was accidental and over five decades ago.  For that I couldn't be more grateful to my Eighth Grade English teacher.