Title- Sunrise over Fallujah
Author- Walter Dean Myers
ISBN- 978-0439916240
Publication Information Scholastic Press: New York, 2008
Plot Summary- Robin Perry, nephew of Richie Perry (from Myer's Fallen Angels) is part of the first wave of soldiers into Operation Iraqi Freedom. Birdy, as he comes to be known by others in his company, enters the military after the attacks of September 11th. However, now as he enters foreign territory, he is confused and scared. It is hard to tell who the enemy is and what the rules of engagement for any given situation are. Frequently, he cannot tell the difference between friend and foe in country and finds himself increasingly terrified of his possible death and the deaths of those around him. To compound matters, his family has been less than supportive. Like many in the United States, he does not understand why we are there and what the goals are. Myers uses his storytelling abilities to clearly reflect many of the questions we have all asked ourselves since this invasion began. As he moves deeper and deeper into enemy territory, Birdy comes to understand what war really means, what he risks, and what he values.
Critical Evaluation- I have very much enjoyed this book. It is gritty and realistic without being overly graphic. The book has clearly avoided language realism in order to be sold to and taught in schools, but the novel is successful nevertheless. The book continues the story of the Perry family from his previous and very successful novel, Fallen
Angels, which will make it even more attractive to students who are familiar with Myers work.
Reader's Annotation- Like so many others, Robin Perry volunteers to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, but is he ready for the realities of war? As he gets to know his team, Marla and Jonesy, how will Perry respond to what he discovers in Iraq?
Author Information- Walter Dean Myers follows up his highly acclaimed story Fallen Angels with another story about an equally confusing and difficult war. Myers is himself a veteran of the army and his understanding of military mentality is portrayed accurately here.
Curricular Ties- Current Events, Social Studies both American history and World history
Genre- Military/War novel
Book talking ideas- Is the war in Iraq justified?
Challenge issues- War and depictions of violence, some language
- Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
- Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
- Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
- Review approaches from ALA
Interest Age- High school
Why I selected this piece- I'm always on the lookout for contemporary issues handled well by YA authors. Because I have several students who are entering the military, I thought this would be an interesting read to recommend to them. I am also studying Myers for my Author/Genre study
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