Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014) was an American writer born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and raised in Harlem, New York City by foster parents after his mother's early death. Best known for his young adult novels like Fallen Angels, Monster, and Scorpions that realistically portrayed urban African-American teen experiences, he authored over 100 books including picture books and nonfiction. Myers received numerous accolades, including five Coretta Scott King Awards, two Newbery Honors, the first Michael L. Printz Award, and served as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2012-2013), advocating "Reading is Not Optional."