Fallen Angels
FROM THE TWO-TIME NEWBERRY HONOR RECIPEINT WALTER DEAN MYERS
WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME AND FIGHT IN SOMEONE ELSE'S?
Not sure what to do after graduating and needing money for his family, black teenager Richie Perry joins the Army and is sent to Vietnam where he is part of a mostly black squad. While he and his new friends battle the Viet Cong and face prejudice from there own side, Richie continues to try to sort out his emotions and write a letter to his younger brother about the truths of war.
"My father used to call all soldiers angel warriors," he said. "Because usually they get boys to fight wars. Most of you aren't old enough to vote yet." (Myers 44)
About Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers was born on August 12, 1937 in Martinsburb, West Virginia. He was given away to Herbert Dean and his wife at a young age and grew up in Harlem. At the age of 17, he dropped out of school and joined the army. He started writing books related to his past experiences years later.
About the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War took place from 1954-1975. It was between the communist government of North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam. The United States backed South Vietnam, but pulled out of the war due to the cost in 1973.
Editorial Reviews
"A riveting account of the Vietnam War from the perspective of a young black soldier." - School Library Journal
"By showing what is going on in the minds of teenagers both drafted and volunteering to serve their country, the reader is drawn into the experience, sharing the good and the bad." - Children's Literature