Walter Dean Myers died on Tuesday at the age of 76 after a brief illness. Author of more than 100 books including Monster and Lockdown, Myers was a three-time National Book Award nominee, the recipient of two Newbery Honors, a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, and “the rare author to have a wide following among middle-school boys.” In 2011, EPL’s Jarrett Dapier talked with Myers for In These Times magazine. In the fascinating interview, the legendary YA writer candidly discussed “the debt he owes to James Baldwin” along with the importance of mentoring teens. He will truly be missed.
Walter Dean Myers, 1937-2014
July 3, 2014