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A video interview with

Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers discovered at an early age that books could take him to a place beyond his neighborhood. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Walter Dean Myers talks about the impact learning to read had on him and why his books, particularly those for older readers, tell of the urban African American experience.

Click on the links below§ to watch this interview online, or read the interview transcript. You can also read a short biography of Walter Dean Myers or see a selected list of his children's books.

View online

Before the crack of dawn (1:20)
Watch this video clip for an insight into the daily routine of this successful author.
Working with Christopher Myers (:50)
Walter Dean Myers explains how his son pushes him to take more chances.
Words they can relate to (1:00)
Walter Dean Myers thinks that young African-American readers relate so well to his books because they recognize the environment.
The rhythms of Harlem (:50)
Myers talks about the cultural role of music in communities like Harlem.
Reading is like air (1:00)
In this video clip, Walter Dean Myers explains why knowing how to read is more important today than it was when he was growing up.
The urban experience (1:00)
Myers' books are unique partly because they take place in the city, not in the suburbs.
Inner-city kids (1:30)
Walter Dean Myers explains why many kids put on a defensive "tough guy" act.
Books were my friends (2:00)
In this video clip, Myers recalls the important role that books played in his childhood.

^§ To play this clip, you'll need a copy of the free RealOne Player. Most computers already have it installed, or you can download it now.

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