Washington Post reporter Jim Naughton called Walter Dean Myers a “one man movement.” Myers told stories about the lives of African American youth at a time when literature for youth was “monochromatic,” written by white authors about white characters. This book tells Myers’ story, from his troubled childhood and lack of success in school, to his time in the military to his career as a writer.  Fans of his writing will see the roots of many of his characters in his childhood. His struggle to  achieve and his perseverance in becoming a writer is inspirational. There is also a chapter on his efforts to reach children, especially troubled youth, through his writing.  Myers is such a popular writer that this biography is bound to circulate well, especially after his recent death. The book is appealing, with many sidebars and photographs, and ends with a timeline of important events and a list of resources for further information.