Fallen Angels

In this classic coming of age novel from a New York Times–bestselling author, an American teenager faces the gritty reality of the Vietnam War.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award in 1988

“Heartbreaking. . . . Other authors have gotten the details right, but Myers reaches into the minds of the soldiers. . . . Readers, including those born after the fall of Saigon . . . will reel from the human consequences of battle.” —Publishers Weekly (boxed review)

It’s 1967, and Harlem teenager Richie Perry is graduating from high school. He dreams of attending college and becoming a writer like James Baldwin. However, reality has other plans. After volunteering for the army, Perry doesn’t expect to fight in the Vietnam War, but a paperwork mix-up sends him to the frontlines.

Perry and his platoon are soon face-to-face with relentless violence and brutality. One false move can mean the difference between survival and death, whether they are fighting the Vietcong or simply walking through the jungle. Overcome by the horrors, Perry begins questioning everything. What were his motives for joining the army? Why are black troops given the most dangerous missions? Why is the United States even there?

Perry and his fellow soldiers may have all come to Vietnam for different reasons, but now they share the same dream—to get home alive.

“Recalls Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage.” —Horn Book (starred review)

“As thought-provoking as it is entertaining.” —The New York Times

“This gut-twisting Vietnam War novel breaks uncharted ground. . . . Myers does an outstanding job of re-creating the war.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Myers masterfully re-creates the combat zone. . . . War-story fans will find enough action here, though it isn’t glorified; thoughtful readers will be haunted by this tribute to a ravaged generation.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)