Myers, Walter Dean. 2008. SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439916240 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]
REVIEW
After 9/11, Robin decides not to go to college but to join the army instead. Early in 2003, he is sent to Iraq as part of a Civil Affairs unit that is charged with minimizing fighting and building the trust of the Iraqi people. It is a dangerous job and Robin discovers that he can only trust the men in his unit. As so many people have learned, he learns that there is no easy resolution to the problems in Iraq and that much of both the good and the bad will never make the news. His optimism and the optimism of those in his unit begins to turn to despair. In letters home to his family, Robin tries to hide his fear about his situation and to be comforting to those at home. In this memorable coming of age story, the eighteen year old becomes a man.
War is a reality but a difficult subject to talk about. Myers’ newest books speak to the young men and women who face the possibility of military service.
CONNECTIONS
Use as the basis for a debate as to who war is the hardest on—those who fight or those who must stay at home and worry.
Use for a current events themed lesson that looks at what led up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
RELATED BOOKS
Other young adult books about coping with war:
Aronson, Marc and Patty Campbell. WAR IS…SOLDIERS, SURVIVORS AND STORYTELLERS TALK ABOUT WAR. ISBN 9780763642310
Myers, Walter Dean. FALLEN ANGELS. ISBN 9780545055765
By Jane Claes
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