Walter Dean Myers
Writer/Author
Important Information
- Born: August 12, 1937 in Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States
- Died: July 01, 2014 in New York, New York, United States
- Other Names: Myers, Walter Milton; Myers, Walter M.; Johnson, Stacie
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Writer
Early Life/Childhood
"Myers was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, in 1937. Before he turned three years old, his mother died, leaving the family in chaos. Caring for his many children with no mother and little income, Myers's father placed the boy with his first wife and her new husband. With his foster parents, Herbert and Florence Dean, and their biological children, Myers moved to Harlem. His teachers recognized his intelligence and his foster parents encouraged him to read and write--although Herbert Dean was himself illiterate--but Myers was stigmatized because of a speech impediment. Many years later, in an interview with Juan Williams on National Public Radio, Myers admitted that he had carried another burden as a child: his foster mother's alcoholism. These factors led the young Myers to neglect his studies and get into trouble often."
Famous Writings
Adresses
Love of Books
Awards
"Council on International Books for Children Award,"
"Hoops; Parents' Choice Award" and
"New Jersey Institute of Technology Authors Award"