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Friday, August 16, 2013

We Are America


Myers, W. D. (2011). We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart. New York: HarperCollins.

Hardcover | $14.52 USD | ISBN-13: 978-0060523084 | 40 pgs | Ages 6 & up




What does it mean to be an American? We are so diverse and yet connected in so many ways. Walter Dean Myers along with his son Christopher Myers created this beautifully written and illustrated book celebrating what it means to be American and to live in America. We Are America shares the many struggles, the ideals and the hopes that we collectively and individually hold in our hearts.

America has had a difficult past – some may wonder how we are so blessed to live in a beautiful land when so many horrendous things have occurred throughout American history.  Myers pays tribute to these difficult events in our past in a truthful and heartfelt way.  The people who came mistreated those who were already here and those who came after, especially those who were forced here had the most difficult journey throughout our history. Yet America still provides so many with the freedoms, dreams and hopes to reach great heights while allowing for openness in discussion and debates with things we do not like or work to change. 


I believe this book provides only a taste of Walter Dean Myers’ greatness. Myers is a famous African American New York Times best selling author of Monster and he has received every single major award in the field of children’s literature. He has written two Newbery Honor Books and received five Coretta Scott King Awards. He is the first winner of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. Walter Dean Myers is an author that everyone should encounter in their readings. He is considered to be one of the most distinguished authors for young people. Myers lives in Jersey City with his family.Illustrator Christopher Myers worked with his father to create this book. He has illustrated Caldecott Honor books and Coretta Scott King Honor Books as well, some also written by Walter Dean Myers as well. His work has been shown in many art museums.

Something that young people will enjoy is the Who Is America website which Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers created in reference to this book. The site is: http://www.who-is-america.com/  All can share their voice and their own story about who they believe represents America. Anyone is free to create a video about what it means to be an American and post it to Youtube. One story is featured every week.  Visit the Youtube link to watch Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers explain their inspiration for creating We Are America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQXjG0hjLQ

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