Myers, Walter Dean, 1937-....

Variant names

Hide Profile

Walter Dean Myers was born August 12, 1937, in Martinsburg, WV. After a series of jobs he became a full time writer in 1977. Today he is considered one of the best contemporary American writers for children and young adults. An African American, he helped to redefine the image of blacks in juvenile literature. He has written in several genres and for different age groups, but is perhaps best known for his books for junior and senior high school readers, books that range from lighthearted and farcical to powerful and moving. Many of his books are especially appealing to boys. He has received many honors and awards for his work, including two Newbery honors and the 2008 Kerlan Award.

Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vols. 27, 41, 71, 109 Something About the Author Autobiography Series vol. 2 Children's Literature Review vol. 35

From the guide to the Walter Dean Myers Collection, 1999-2007, (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Walter Dean Myers Collection, 1999-2007 University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf The HistoryMakers Video Oral History with Walter Dean Myers The HistoryMakers
Relation Name
Place Name Admin Code Country
Red Hook (N.Y.)
Martinsburg (W. Va.)
Subject
African Americans
Occupation
Fiction Writer
Activity

Person

Birth 1937-08-12

Birth 19370812

Death 20140701

Americans

English

Information

Permalink: http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6392m93

Ark ID: w6392m93

SNAC ID: 37415361