Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, W. (1988). Fallen angels. New York: Scholastic.
ISBN-10 0590409433
ISBN-13 978-0590409438
309 pgs
Format: Book
Genre: War/Conflict
Classification: Fiction
Age level: Young Adult

Reader's annotation
Set during the Vietnam War, recent high school graduate Richie Perry enlists in the army and is soon fighting combat missions with his trusted platoon. Issues of racism and the meaning of the war soon come to a head.

Summary
When his dream of attending college doesn’t come to fruition, Harlem resident Richie Perry enlists in the Army during the Vietnam War. Soon serving on the front lines, Richie forms close friendships within his platoon and experiences fighting with the Viet Cong. Richie is exposed to racism in the military when African American troops get assigned the most dangerous missions, and soon his experiences have him questioning the validity of the war and the goals it is trying to accomplish. Themes of the novel include racism, death, and individual responsibility.

Notes
Novels about war are some of the most compelling because events truly have life or death consequences. This story is detailed and rings true, and in this spirit contains a good amount of graphic language.

Awards and honors
Coretta Scott King Award, 1989

Also by Walter Dean Myers
Monster
Dope Sick
Sunrise Over Fallujah