PICTURE BOOK FOR OLDER READERS: WAR (ages 9-12)
Brief Description: In sparse language and eerily-pieced collages, Myers chronicles one day of an American soldier in Vietnam. As he searches for the enemy, he notices birds, trees, landscapes and the beauty surrounding him. He is quickly drawn back to the task at hand by his squad leader, and recalls that the enemy is out there somewhere. The unnamed soldier's fear is expressed, and shots are fired. Bombers are called in, and the soldiers watch as the valley is destroyed. Our soldier expresses his sadness at this, and when he finally sees the enemy face to face, he is surprised, and they both look at one another recognizing each others' humanity.
Awards: Jefferson Cup Award, 2003; West Virginia Childrens Book Award, 2005
Personal Opinion: As with other books on war, I found this book disturbing and beautifully crafted. The short sentences, juxtaposition of nature with the horrors of war, and the fear of the soldiers makes this book extremely compelling. I was reminded often of War is Never a Good Idea by Alice Walker. Also, having read Walter Dean Myers Fallen Angels, I had a more complete background to the daily "dropping in" of soldiers to possible enemy territory, then the evening return to camp and the exhaustion that overcame these young men.
Programming/Curriculum: Use this short book with older readers as an introduction to a unit on the Vietnam War, and as an inspiration for writing poetry about and illustrating a situation that the student found difficult.
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