Review: Sunrise Over Fallujah

Sunrise Over Fallujah
By Walter Dean Myers
Scholastic Press
April 2008
304 pages

If you really want to understand what went wrong with the war in Iraq, look no further than Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers.

The first three months of the war are viewed through the eyes of Private Robin Perry – aka Birdy – who is part of a Civil Affairs Unit. The men and women in Birdy’s unit are well-trained, yet ill-prepared for what awaits them on the battlefield. In the beginning their mission is to follow the invasion forces, and make contact with the Iraqi people to begin building a democracy. Yet as the weeks progress, their unit keeps getting pushed further into the combat zone and deeper into danger. All too quickly they go from playing soccer to win over Iraqi youths to combat in the streets.

From Marla-the-gutsy-girl-gunner to Jonesy, the blues fanatic philosopher, Birdy is flanked by a colorful and diverse bunch of characters from all walks of life, which is so typical of the military experience. Their story is an important one because it shows what happens when good, brave young people are tasked on an impossible mission with a woefully in adequate understanding of the language and culture of the region, and where the rules of engagement (ROE) change from one day to the next.

While some readers might find the dialogue a bit tame – perhaps even unrealistic – it’s clear Myers chose a style that makes this book palatable for the classroom, and suitable for readers as young as 10 years old.

This book is not an escape into a fantasy world of wizards and dragons, it is a jolt of reality about the war our children have already inherited. Sunrise Over Fallujah is one voice – one perspective on this war. Surely we need other voices and more perspectives. I hope this will be the first of many books for teens about a war that has been waged for a third of their lives.

Copyright (c) 2008 by Peggy Tibbetts

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Review: Willie of Bennington Abbey

Willie of Bennington Abbey
By Rachelle Cox
Tate Publishing & Enterprises
January 2008
212 pages

The evil Lord Reginald rules his lands with a cruel eye and greedy fist. Yet he lusts after the legendary treasures he believes are hidden deep within the stone fortress of Bennington Abbey. So he plots to capture the Abbey, drive out the monks and keep the land and treasure for himself.

Plucky, thirteen-year old Willie Reed lives with his father in a hut along the creek on Reginald’s land. They are so poor he is forced to steal bread from the Abbey. When Brother Andrew catches him, he offers Willie a chance to redeem himself. The monks know that Lord Reginald is planning to capture the Abbey. They enlist Willie as their spy. Caught with the stolen bread in his hands, and preferring his freedom over the cloistered monastery life, Willie has no choice but to accept their offer.

Thus begins Willie’s sojourn into Kenswolde, Reginald’s world of noblemen, servants, banquets, and an army with a secret plan. He quickly finds a friend in Portia, a cook’s helper. But how can two young teens ever manage to outwit an army of brave knights to save the Abbey? And what about the hidden treasures?

In Willie of Bennington Abbey, Rachelle Cox cleverly weaves the magic of earth and spirit into a war of wits combined with a valiant treasure hunt. Think Robin Hood meets the DaVinci Code. Thirteenth century England comes alive with adventure in this smart and spirited tale, with plenty of twists and turns to keep young readers turning the pages.

Copyright (c) 2008 by Peggy Tibbetts

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10% Off and Free Shippping!

I interrupt this blog for some shameless self-promotion.

My publisher, Zumaya is having a sizzling summer sale to celebrate their author, Chester Aaron’s (Garlic Kisses) upcoming “appearance” on NPR’s All Thing Considered on Sunday (7/6).

You can purchase my novel, The Road to Weird, and many others at 10% off. Use the promotion code CHESTER during checkout and get free shipping.

Hurry! Sale ends July 13, 2008.

Click here to access the Zumaya Bookstore.

Happy 4th of July!

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