1. de Time Capsule What’s that hole doing there???

2. Walter Dean Myers 2014 To whom it may concern, If you are reading this, my time capsule worked and this is 2114! I buried this capsule 100 years ago today with the intent to share my life story and my writings! Enjoy! Walter Dean Myers What’s In The Capsule: Biography Books People Places Objects Awards Extra Sources Thanks!

3. Biography Childhood Adulthood Author Back To Capsule randomhouse.com

4. Childhood Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1937, I became one of the premier authors of books for children. My mother died very early in my life–an event that propelled me into experiences that later influenced me to write. It was difficult for my father to raise eight children alone, and eventually, a nearby couple, Herbert and Florence Dean, took in three-year old Walter and moved me to Harlem, New York. Harlem became my home and the place where my first impressions of the world were set. As a child, I went to school in my neighborhood and attended bible school almost every day of the week. I had a speech impediment which made communicating difficult for me, and I often found myself in fights, defending myself against kids who taunted me. After a while, one of my teachers suggested to write something instead of reading aloud. I began writing poetry to give voice to my thoughts and feelings, and at age sixteen, I won a prize in an essay contest and a set of encyclopedias for a long narrative poem. Later, my father bought me a used typewriter, which I used to churn out a seemingly endless stream of stories. Along with the many things I was discovering about myself, I was also learning how to survive. One day I had the courage to break up a fight between three gang members and a kid who had just moved into the neighborhood. I became a marked man–and felt my life was in danger. My childhood has impacted my writing in multitude of ways! Back To Biography

5. Adulthood From an accelerated junior high program, I went on to one of New York's most prestigious public schools -- Amsterdam High School -- where I encountered a teacher who told me that I was a gifted writer, and he steered me to the books of Emile Zola and Thomas Mann. I thought that his family's finances ruled out college, and my life took a negative turn. My poetry reflected despair and I fell into the gang culture. In 1954, I dropped out of school and entered the army. After my release, I worked odd jobs, married and divorced, wrote everything from adventure stories to advertising copy, and attended City College of New York and a writer's workshop at Columbia University that led to an editorial job at a publishing company. (I would finally receive a B.A., much later, from Empire State College.) It wasn't until I won a contest for black writers that I published his first book, Where Does the Day Go? Writing for young adults, changed my life. The young adult and middle grade periods of my life were so vivid and, in looking back, so influential in how I would live the rest of my life, that I am drawn to [them] over and over again. Back To Biography

6. As An Author My subsequent works continued to take an uncompromising look at the plights and issues of urban African-American youth, drawing upon my own experiences while growing up in Harlem. My refusal to shrink from harsh realities or to be condescending toward my audience garnered much critical applause, evidenced by two Newbery Honor Medals (for Scorpions [1988] and Somewhere in the Darkness[1992]), four Coretta Scott King Awards (for The Young Landlords [1979], Motown and Didi [1987], Fallen Angels [1988], and Somewhere in the Darkness), and dozens of other accolades. Those honors include the 2005 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award administered by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book for the poetry collection Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices (2004). The Hopkins award is awarded annually to an American poet or anthologist for the most outstanding new book of children’s poetry published in the previous calendar year. My novel Monster, the story of a young Harlem man’s trial for murder, was a National Book Award finalist in 1999 and the first winner of the Michael L. Printz Award. Truly, my writing talks about my experiences in inner city life. Back To Biography

7. Books 1.HoopsHoops 2.The BeastThe Beast 3.Bad BoyBad Boy 4.Autobiography of My Dead BrotherAutobiography of My Dead Brother 5.Street LoveStreet Love 6.MonsterMonster Back To Capsule

8. Hoops 17 year old Lonnie Jackson lives for basketball. He wants to join a team with his buddies and continue his passion for the game, but when he meets his coach for the first time, he is bewildered. He’s a drunken man who had once played in the NBA but was kicked out for gambling! Now, when the team gets to the championship, the coach is told by the same gamblers to sit Lonnie and lose the game. Will he do that and give up this opportunity, or will he sub Lonnie in and play Hoops? Copyright- 1981 181 Pages & for Middle School Students and Young Adults Back To Books

9. The Beast Anthony Witherspoon, or “Spoon”, goes to the Wallingford Academy, leaving behind his supportive girlfriend, Gabi. Little does he know that Gabi’s mother was suffering from cancer, her brother takes the streets, and her blind grandfather moves in. Gabi turns to drugs (the beast) for comfort. When Spoon returns from school, he finds Gabi in the belly of the beast…and only he has the courage to go in after her! Middle- Young Adult Audiences 192 pages Copyright: 2005 Back To Books Back To Books

10. Bad Boy As a boy, Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously—he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer. But while growing up in a poor family in Harlem, his hope for a successful future diminished as he came to realize fully the class and racial struggles that surrounded him. He began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and to his books for comfort. (barnesandnoble.com) Copyright: 200212-17 years224 Pages Back To Books

11. Autobiography of My Dead Brother Jesse and his friend C.J. are trying to come to terms with “the violence that blows through our community like the winds of winter.” With a friend carrying a gun, another dealing and one in jail for robbery, Jesse sees first-hand what drugs are doing to his Harlem home. “Sometimes,” he says, “the corner of 149th Street looked like an ad for some desperate Third World country,” or a vision of hell from Dante’s Inferno, which Jesse is reading in school. The autobiography Jesse is making of his best friend Rise, with photographs, drawings and cartoons, shows Rise changing as he gets involved with gangs, and the cartoonish character of Spodi Roti represents Jesse himself as he questions his life and community, looking for answers. The innovative illustrated novel format is effective, essential to Rise’s autobiography and to Jesse’s own quest for understanding. Though the story is starkly realistic, there is always hope in the gifts of Jesse the artist and C. J. the musician, of schools and churches and of caring parents. (kirkusreview.com Web) Copyright: 1998Ages: 12 and upPages: 224National Book Award Winner Back To Books

12. Street Love The book, Street Love, is a wonderful romance story set in the streets of Harlem. Sixteen year old Damien is with the love of his life, and has just been accepted to his dream college. There is one problem, though. The love of his life, Junice, has other plans, and must help her ex-convict mother, and mentally challenged sister. This book is a bittersweet thriller that is a must read! Copyright- 1996 Adult Audiences 304 Pages It was nominated for the 1999 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2000, [1] and was named a Coretta Scott King Award Honor the same year.National Book AwardMichael L. Printz Award [1]Coretta Scott King Award Honor Back To Books

13. Monster This book is set in the perspective of a sixteen year old boy, Steve Harmon who is on trial for felony murder. It is a trial that may result in 20 years in prison, and Harmon is scared out of his mind. Steve is a young filmmaker, and he cannot bear the life of a prison convict. The plot moves back and forth from his thoughts to his photographic notebook, and this is truly a story to remember. Teen to Adult Book Copyright- 2006 160 Pages Correta Scott King, National Book Award, and Michael L. Printz Award winner Back To Books

14. Family Influences Florence DeanHerbert Dean Herbert was Walter’s step father. He was the man of the house and loved Walter a lot. He hated to see Walter cry, and always comforted him. Dean gave Walter his first typewriter, which inspired Walter to write poems and short stories. Walter was influenced to write by his stepfather. Continue Florence Dean was the first person Walter called Mom. She raised him from infancy, but was not his real mother. Walter remembers walking all around New York City with her, and reading fashion magazines in their favorite chair. Walter gained from this reading time, and he had the highest reading level in his first grade year. She encouraged him to get good grades, and strive for excellence. Walter made lots of memories with his mother, and she influenced him greatly.

15. Other Influences Langston Hughes Hughes grew up down the street from Myers in Harlem. Myers read Houghes’ short stories and column in the black newspaper. It was not until he became an adult that he appreciated the writings written by the same man that chased his brother down the street for littering. Myers wrote on similar topics as Hughes and describes life in Harlem. Langston Hughes was an influence on Myers! Cab Calloway Cab Calloway was a popular singer in Harlem during the renaissance. He wrote music with the Nicholas Brothers, an entertaining tap dance group. Walter loved Calloway’s music in the 40’s, as many other children did as well. Continue

16. Teacher Influences Mrs. Conway Mrs. Conway was like the teachers Walter had at PS 125, but she had a special quality unlike the others. Although she used corporal punishment as a disciplinary method, Conway recognized Walter's advanced writing skills, and would read his poems all of the time. She also gave him books to read, such as East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon, a Norwegian folk tale. This is how Mrs. Conway influenced Walter. Mr. Irwin-Lasher Mr. Irwin-Lasher was the perfect teacher for Walter as a boy. He understood Walter’s speech impediment and told him that he would only be a smart boy in his class. When Walter would make a mistake, Mr. Irwin-Lasher would appropriately discipline Walter by speaking with his mother rather than a slapping method. Walter felt comfortable in his class and enjoyed himself. Mr. Irwin-Lasher was Walter’s ideal teacher! Pictures

17. Langston Hughes Cab Calloway Back To Capsule

18. New York West Virginia Harlem Back To Capsule Jersey City Empire State Univ. PS 43 Harlem Post Office

19. Places Martinsburg, West VirginiaMorningside Park, Harlem

20. Places Empire State College, New YorkJersey City

21. Places PS 43Harlem Post Office Back To Capsule

22. Back To Capsule Memories Book KnicksJobs First Book Typewriters Baseball Mitt

23. Baseball Mitt Walter Dean Myers always enjoyed to play baseball with his friends. “I filled any moment with physical activity.” (Bad Boy) Back To Box

24. Typewriter Walter Dean Myers was given a typewriter as a kid by his step-father, Herbert Dean. This was the first apparatus he used to write his thoughts that would soon become hit books! Back To Box

25. Where Does the Day Go? This is Walter Dean Myers first published book. “Where Does the Day Go?” is a picture book for children. Back To Box

26. First Job Walter Dean Myers first job was carrying packages. He carried them for ladies from A&P and on a good day, made $3. Back To Box

27. New York Knicks “There's only one really great team around and that's the New York Knickerbockers. The Knicks are my favorite. I would have studied law if I wasn't a professional basketball player or writer.” –Walter Dean Myers ~Scholastic.com Interview Back To Box

28. East O` the Sun and West O` the Moon This is the novel that Mrs. Conway gave to Walter to read as a child. After reading this novel, Myers found that he had fallen in love with reading and wanted to read more. Back To Box

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30. National Book Award Finalist The National Book Award was established in 1950, the National Book Award is an American literary prize administered by the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Walter Dean Myers received this award for his novel, Monster. Back to Trophy Case

31. Boston Globe Horn Book Awards First presented in 1967 and customarily announced in June, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the field of children’s and young adult literature. Winners are selected in three categories: Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction. Two Honor Books may be named in each category. On occasion, a book will receive a special citation for its high quality and overall creative excellence. The winning titles must be published in the United States but they may be written or illustrated by citizens of any country. The awards are chosen by an independent panel of three judges who are annually appointed by the Editor of the Horn Book. Back to Trophy Case

32. Newbery Honor Award The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The Newbery Medal is a yearly award that honors an outstanding contribution to American children’s literature. It is named after John Newbery, who was a bookseller in the 1700s, in England. The medal was created quite a bit later, however, by Frederic G. Melcher, in 1921. Back to Trophy Case

33. Michael L. Printz Award The Michael L. Printz Award annually honors the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit, each year. In addition, the Printz Committee names up to four honor books, which also represent the best writing in young adult literature. The awards announcement is made at the ALA Midwinter Meeting as part of the Youth Media Awards and is celebrated with a program and reception each year at the ALA Annual Conference. Back to Trophy Case

34. Coretta Scott King Award The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. Back to Trophy Case

35. Poem Army Hat His Son Extra Items Back To Capsule

36. Love That Boy This poem was written by Walter Dean Myers when he was younger and tied him to his past. It has been featured in many books and is a memorable item! Back To Folder

37. Christopher Myers Walter Dean Myers loves his son Christopher Myers…and his occupation! Both are writers and have collaborated with many writings. Walter Dean Myers would love to include his son in this capsule! Back To Folder

38. Army Walter Dean Myers quit high school and went off to serve our country. He gave us his work and wonderful novels that we love today! Back To Folder

39. Works Cited Page American Library Association. (1996-2014). Michael l. Printz award. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz/ http://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz/ American Library Association. (4, March 09). The Coretta Scott King award. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/emiert/cskbookawards http://www.ala.org/emiert/cskbookawards Gutmann, M. (2006). Myers, Walter Dean. Retrieved from http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Myers__Walter_Dean.html http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Myers__Walter_Dean.html Levandowski, C. (11, November 94). Learning about Walter Dean Myers. Retrieved from http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/myers.html http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/myers.html Media Source Company. (n.d.). Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Retrieved from http://archive.hbook.com/bghb/default.asp http://archive.hbook.com/bghb/default.asp Myers, W. D. (2014). Walter Dean Myers biography. Retrieved from http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/ http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/ Random House. (n.d.). Author spotlight. Retrieved from https://www.randomhouse.com/kids/catalog/author.pperl?authorid=21712&view=sml_sptlght https://www.randomhouse.com/kids/catalog/author.pperl?authorid=21712&view=sml_sptlght Scholastic Inc. (2014). Walter Dean Myers talks to scholastic news online. Retrieved from http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/bullying/bullying_news/index.asp?article=w aterdeanmyers2&topic=0 http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/bullying/bullying_news/index.asp?article=w aterdeanmyers2&topic=0 Walter Dean Myers. (2014, March 27). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Dean_Myers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Dean_Myers Back To Capsule