FlumeAward – Sunrise over Fallujah Discussion page for Sunrise over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers
I usually love Walter Dean Myers and books about war but this one left me cold. I didn’t connect to any of the characters in a meaningful way and felt let down by the writing. Not one of hi sbest. Amy I.
I felt the book was just okay. My students who are reading it, however, like it.
Kelly Budd
Keene High School
Myers writing is convincing and this story so timely. The tone is subdued, especially compared to the array of teen angst and fantasy titles (all with caucasian characters) that are currently so popular. I’d like to see it on the list because it would attract boy readers, the students at Dover High liked it a lot, and it’s a moving story of young men and women experiencing the fear and confusion of the war in Iraq.
Maybeth Anderson
Dover High School
I loved this book. The story is told simply, in very much "guy-speak". The very simplicity and lack of graphic images of war are what makes it so powerful. The whole way through, you know that not everyone will survive and there is no one you want to see die. An interesting snippet at the beginning obviously refers to the humvee convoy that included Jessica Lynch, Lori Piestewa and Shoshana Johnson, although neither their names nor the future event are referred to. Boys will respond to this book, but so will girls. Both men and women combatants are portrayed as well as the cameraderie and deep bond the unit has for one another. I would also love to see this book on the list. Sally Nelson, Leach Library.