84 pages • 2 hours read
Walter Dean MyersSunrise Over Fallujah
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers follows eighteen-year-old Robin "Birdy" Perry from Harlem as he enlists in the U.S. Army and is stationed in Iraq during the early stages of the Iraq War in 2003. The novel explores Birdy's motivations for joining, his experiences and challenges while serving, and his evolving perspective on war and his initial beliefs, particularly after enduring personal losses during combat situations. Sensitive topics in the book include wartime violence, death, and psychological trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers offers a gripping portrayal of modern warfare through the eyes of a young soldier. Critics commend its realistic depiction and complex characters. However, some find its pacing uneven and character development lacking depth at times. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read that illuminates the costs of war.
Who Should Read Sunrise Over Fallujah?
A reader who enjoys Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers is likely drawn to contemporary war stories, political dynamics, and personal growth narratives. Fans of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried or Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner would appreciate the gripping, emotional, and insightful portrayal of soldiers' experiences in Iraq.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
780L