Author's Life
Walter Dean Myers was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1937. His mother died while giving birth to his sister, so he had to move to Harlem, New York. His biological father’s first wife raised him. Growing up his life revolved around church, and his neighborhood. Since he didn't do well in school and also had a speech issue, he started to write poetry, short stories, and he also developed a love for reading. Myers dropped out of school and joined the military when he turned 17. Although he had dropped out of school, he still keeped his love for writing. Before he dropped out, one of his teachers told him to never give up writing. For several years after dropping out he had given up writing. But he remembered his teacher's words and started to write again.
Myers latter moved to Jersey City where he got married and had 3 kids, one of which followed in his footsteps and also became an author, and also illustrated for his father.
Several years later Myers died of an illness in Manhattan on July 1, 2014.
Myers latter moved to Jersey City where he got married and had 3 kids, one of which followed in his footsteps and also became an author, and also illustrated for his father.
Several years later Myers died of an illness in Manhattan on July 1, 2014.
Author/Character Comparison
Throughout the book you can see many characteristics of Walter Dean Myers. We see it the the setting because it takes place in Harlem, New York. Another we that it is shown is through the main character Jesse. Jesse is a boy that struggles in school. We also see that he loves to draw out what is going on in his life, just like Myers used to write out what was going on in his life. We also see Jesse really upon the church and the neighborhood around him to get through his life. Rise is also an example of Myers life, because Rise drops out of high school because he was struggling. Another aspect of Walter Dean Myers life is that CJ spends almost all of his time at the church and he relies on it to keep him going.