Walter Dean Myers, Poet

Poetry by Walter Dean Myers

"Summer" from Brown Angels

As you've probably heard, the great Walter Dean Myers passed away recently and his impressive and significant body of work has been recognized far and wide-- as it should be. His mastery of every genre was amazing and I would like to take a moment to highlight his POETRY for young people, in particular. I was fortunate enough to feature him in my "Poetry Round Up" at the annual conference of the Texas Library Association in 2005. Hearing a poet read his/her own work aloud is the ultimate treat and Walter's reading was such a perfect example. His deep, resonant voice sticks with you. Perhaps because of his own struggle with spoken speech, his pacing in his poetry is so thoughtful and meaningful. Just look at these many, wonderful examples. 

POETRY + PHOTOGRAPHY
Although much of Walter's work is poetic and rhythmic, I believe his poetry first emerged in Brown Angels which paired his words with his collection of antique photographs of children. More followed with Glorious Angels and Angel to Angel, a beautiful trilogy.

Then, Here in Harlem built on this photo-poem format to create a multi-voice poetry collection-- perfect for YA. (Do NOT miss the audiobook adaptation of this book, but more on that later!)

Glorious Angels

Then came the stunning picture poetry books that showcase Walter's poetry alongside the powerful art created by his son, Christopher Myers, especially Harlem, Jazz, and We Are America.

POETRY BY WALTER DEAN MYERS 

Myers, Walter Dean. 1993. Brown Angels:  An Album of Pictures and Verse. New York: HarperCollins.  

Myers, Walter Dean. 1995. Glorious Angels:  A Celebration of Children. New York: HarperCollins.  

Here in Harlem

Myers, Walter Dean. 1997. Harlem: A Poem. New York: Scholastic.

Myers, Walter Dean. 1998. Angel to Angel. New York: HarperCollins.

Myers, Walter Dean. 2003. Blues Journey. New York: Holiday House.

Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices. New York: Holiday House.

Myers, Walter Dean. 2006. Jazz. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York: Holiday House.

Myers, Walter Dean. 2009. Amiri and Odette: A Love Story. Ill. by Javaka Steptoe. New York: Scholastic.

We Are America

Myers, Walter Dean. 2009. Looking Like Me. Ill. by Chrisopher Myers. New York: Egmont.

Myers, Walter Dean. 2011. We are America: A Tribute from the Heart. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York: HarperCollins.

Here, Walter and his son, Christopher, talk about the creation of his last work of poetry, We are America.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQXjG0hjLQ

POETRY AUDIOBOOKS
And I absolutely must mention the audiobook adaptations of several of these books, all brilliantly produced by Live Oak Media (often with multiple narrators and original music):

Blues Journey

Harlem

Here in Harlem

Jazz

Looking Like Me

We Are America

I was honored to serve on the very first committee to select the Odyssey Award for excellence in audiobook production and the first winner was… Jazz by Walter Dean Myers. Here's just a clip: 
http://www.liveoakmedia.com/client/MP3s/00218.mp3

GOOD-BYE TO WALTER DEAN MYERS

I think a fitting tribute to the wonderful Walter Dean Myers can be found in his own work. Here's "Good-bye to Old Bob Johnson" from Jazz, based on the traditional New Orleans funeral parade. Find the Odyssey winning audiobook adaptation of this book and listen to this heartbreakingly beautiful version of this poem, complete with musical soundtrack.
RIP, Walter Dean Myers. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. 

from Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

For more poetry moments this Poetry Friday, head over to Linda's place at WriteTime.