Bibliographic
Information
Sunrise Over
Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers. Scholastic, Inc. (2008).
Price: $6.09 for paperback
Pages: 320 for
paperback
Plot Summary
When Robin Perry, better known as Birdy, joined the
military he knew it would be tough. Although his Uncle Richie refused to tell
stories about his days as a soldier in Vietnam, Birdy knew it couldn’t have
been easy. Still, Birdy is determined to serve his country and help free the
Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical reign. He soon learns, however,
that not everything is so black and white. It’s difficult to tell enemy from
friend and a good mission from a bad one. While Birdy believes that the Civil
Affairs unit in which he serves does some good by as distributing medicine and
giving toys to children there are other things they are called to do that are
less savory. As he is called to compromise his morals and watch others give up
their own in order to survive he can’t help but wonder if everything will ever
be okay again.
Critical
Evaluation
Myers raises multiple powerful questions within the pages
of Sunrise Over Fallujah. Together
readers examine the meaning of war as well as how much one should be held responsible
for their actions if they are forced to do detestable things in order to
survive. Profanity aside, Myers realistically portrays modern warfare with its
various uncertainties and dilemmas. Through Birdy readers ponder the damage war
causes not only physically but psychologically and spiritually. It is
interesting to note that in an interview included in the paperback version of
the novel Myers states that he is not against the military even though he
includes characters within Sunrise who
are supposedly good guys but commit morally reprehensible acts (p. 7 of
interview). Ultimately, most readers will find something to like within the novel
from the winning characters like goofy Jonesy or compassionate Miller to the hard-hitting
themes. Sunrise Over Fallujah once
again proves that Myers is a master at his craft, particularly when relating
gritty, emotionally difficult stories.
Reader’s
Annotation
Robin Perry, better known as Birdy, recounts his experiences
serving in a Civil Affairs unit during the Iraq war.
About the
Author
Winner of the 1994 Margaret A. Edwards Award in honor of
his lasting contribution to young adult literature, Walter Dean Myers has
penned over fifty books for both children and young adults. He is currently
working on the new young adult novel Darius
& Twig which will be published in April 2013.
To learn more about Walter Dean Myers visit his site here.
Genre
Realistic fiction, War novel
Readalikes
Fallen Angels by
Walter Dean Myers
·
The prequel to Sunrise. About the Vietnam War
Purple Heart by
Patricia McCormick
·
Another YA novel about a recent war (Iraq)
Code Talker by
Joseph Bruchac
·
Another YA novel about war (WWII)
Tags
Civil Affairs unit, Iraq war, War
Awards Won/Lists
On
2011—South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult
Book Award
2010—Sakura Medal Nominee for High School Book
2010—Wyoming Soaring Eagle Nominee
2009—ALA Outstanding Books for the College Bound
2008—School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Professional
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
(starred review)
New York Times Book Review
(mentioned in this article)
Publishers Weekly
(starred review)
School Library Journal
(starred review)
Booktalk Ideas
Excerpts of Letters Home
·
Why I Joined the Military (2)
·
Dealing with Death (59)
·
Rebuilding (137)
·
Rules of Engagement (180)
Is War Worth It?
·
Theories about War (40)
·
Grateful? (47)
·
Who are the Bad Guys? (61, 144)
·
Coping (96)
·
Letting ourselves off the hook (101)
·
Innocents Killed (146-48)
·
Multiple wars (169-70, 191-92)
·
At least we knew what to expect with Saddam
(175-76)
Bibliotherapeutic
Usefulness
This book could be used to explore what modern warfare is
like emotionally as well as those who are returning from war.
Reading
Level/Interest Level
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
These levels are according to AR Bookfinder
Challenge
Issues
This book includes the following potentially
controversial elements:
·
Attempted rape
·
Discussion of rape
·
Graphic violence
·
Kidnapping
·
Mild profanity
·
Misogynistic comments
·
Murder
·
Nebulous morality in war
·
Sexual assault
·
Taking the Lord’s name in vain
·
U.S. soldiers/allies committing illegal acts
Librarians can point out that while the book contains
difficult elements they are included in order to ensure that the book
accurately portrays war.
Why Was This
Included?
I included this because it was required and because I was
interested to see how Myers could write a realistic war novel using only a
little bit of profanity.
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