the value of life

Myers, W. D. (2008). Sunrise over Fallujah. New York City: Scolastic Press, 290 pp.

Fiction

possible classroom uses: read aloud, individual choice, small group, bridge to any war literature

appropriate age range: 7th-12th

Synopsis:
This book is about Americn soldiers in Iraq. It is told from the perspective of a young soldier name Robin (aka Birdie). We get to learn about his daily events through his dialogue with his fellow soldiers, his thoughts and reflections about the day's events, and his letters to his Uncle Richie. This is the story of a boy becoming a man when he is faced with the possibility of death in battle on a daily basis. He records stories of developing friendships with other soldiers, close calls in battle, and ethical issues that arise.

Evaluation:
Myers develops the characters flawlessly. They are not simply soldiers but actual scared people with convictions and personal lives. The plot is thorough and exhilarating. The theme of questioning how much the end should justify the means arises along with the fragility of life reoccurring. The setting is in the current war zone in Iraq. This book addresses the uncertainty that adolescents are plagued with. This book also represents with a real circumstance the intense emotion that adolescents feel all of the time about "normal" daily occurrences. This book addresses the distrust of people of different race or ethnicity that surrounds everyone. It also blurs the lines of gender roles, implying that neither should be or actually can be defined by one set stereotype. This also addresses the difference in how much religion affects people's lives.

Reaction:
Sunrise over Fallujah was amazing! This book is authentic. It is not just another story about war written during the time of war to sell books. I felt like it gave an accurate portrayal of all sides represented in the controversy over the war in Iraq in a simplified way. I enjoyed reading about the details of soldiers lives in Iraq. I realize that this is a fictional story, but I felt that it was believably based in truth. I think that the reality of the war was fully portrayed to the degree that would be acceptable for most adolescents. I appreciated the fact that the heart of the issues were fully addressed without the aspects of a soldier's life that would be inappropriate for young adolescents. I really enjoyed reading the story because I was emotionally invested in the characters. Walter dean myers is an excellent writer who truly captivates, engages, and drives his readers on to continue reading.