Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers

Following the attacks of September 11th, Robin Perry feels compelled to join the army. Having completed basic training, Robin is headed off to Iraq as a part of a Civil Affairs Unit. Robin struggles with the war, as he has a difficult time figuring out who exactly they are supposed to be fighting. Robin’s narrative is broken up by letters home to his parents, who he shields from the reality of war, and to his uncle Ritchie whose experiences in Vietnam (in Myer’s Fallen Angels) connect the two men. Myers creates another novel that depicts the harsh realities of the war. Its contemporary setting and feel will connect with today’s teens. Sunrise Over Fallujah would be the perfect book for discussion in a current events or social studies class.