Author Walter Dean Myers is a top player in kids literature. In his latest book, Game, the two-time Newberry Medal winner, introduces readers to Drew Lawson, a black basketball player in Harlem in New York City. The star of his high school team, Drew has everything going for him. But when a new white teammate gets all of the coach’s attention, Drew has to learn how to adjust his game—on court and off. Game is in stores now.
TFK Kid Reporter Alex Woods recently talked with Myers about his new book, playing basketball and the “craft” of writing.
TFK:Are there events in GAME that are inspired by your own experiences?
Walter Dean Myers:To some extent, all of them are. I’ve played sports all my life and I know basketball. To me, it’s interesting. So is the idea of playing for a coach. Is he a good coach? Does he understand what the players are doing? And do they understand him?
TFK:Did you do any research while you were writing GAME?
Myers:Yes, I wanted to know how today’s (basketball) game, compares to the games I played.
TFK:Do you have a favorite character in the book?
Myers:I always identify with the central character. As an author, you approach a book through the characters. There’s one who’s going to be you, or a lot like you.
TFK:What do you hope kids will learn from GAME?
Myers:I’m not as interested in having young people learn from my books, as I am in having them think about—or cook with— the issues being raised.
TFK:You’ve won two Newberry Medals, the top honor in children’s literature. How does that make you feel?
Myers:For me, writing is a craft. It’s not the finished book that interests me. It’s getting up every morning and doing the craft of writing. Any awards that come my way allow me to continue doing my craft.
TFK:Why do you like to write for kids?
Myers:I’m not exactly sure. I had some troubles in my teenage life, so perhaps it’s because (childhood) was such an important part of my life.
TFK:Out of all your books, do you have a favorite?
Myers:No. Once you write a book and it’s printed, it’s there. As a human being, you move on. You continue to grow.
TFK:How do you choose your topics?
Myers:I write about whatever grabs me in the moment; whatever interests me at a particular time.
TFK:What interests you now?
Myers:I’m planning a book about how people have multiple personalities. Normally, you’re looked at as one person, but you’re not. You’re a different person to all of the people you know. Each sees you differently. That’s the sort of thing that’s eating at me at this point.
