A Conversation with Walter Dean Myers

If there is anyone in the world of children’s and young adult literature who could be described as a living legend, it’s Walter Dean Myers. Best known for his street-smart works of contemporary realistic fiction, Myers has also written historical fiction, biography, memoir, short story collections, and novels in verse. Over the course of a 45-year career, he has published more than 100 books and won just about every award given to authors who write for young people. Most recently, he completed a two-year term as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. No other children’s or young adult author has ever been so celebrated.

Tune in to hear how his own experiences as a reader have shaped his approach to storytelling, what he seeks to offer young people through his writing, and the thinking behind a select handful of his novels – books that incorporate concepts as varied as magical realism, the social contract, and oral histories with our nation’s war veterans.

After listening to this episode, be sure to print out this list of recommended titles to take to the library or book seller.

Books featured in this episode:

• Dope Sick (Amistad, 2009)
• All the Right Stuff (Amistad, 2012)
• Invasion (Scholastic, 2013)