A Place Called Heartbreak: A Story of Vietnam (Stories of America)

Myers, Walter Dean

ISBN 10: 081147237X ISBN 13: 9780811472371

Publisher: Heinemann/Raintree, 1992

Synopsis

Describes the ordeal of Major Fred Cherry, who was shot down in combat over Vietnam and spent seven-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-9-- In a book that reads more like a novel than nonfiction, Myers tells the story of Col. Fred V. Cherry, U.S.A.F. (Ret.), who was a prisoner of the North Vietnamese from Oct. 22, 1965-Feb. 12, 1973. He relates how Cherry, an African American, overcame obstacles during his youth to attend college and fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. It was on a mission from Thailand to North Vietnam that squadron leader Cherry was shot down, thus becoming the first black pilot to become a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. His experiences there, as well as some background information and his present feelings about the Vietnam War, are presented in well-organized hi/lo prose; this is accomplished without oversimplification or generalizations. Myers indicates in the notes that he had extensive interviews with his subject; it is likely that these were the source of the dialogue and his internal thoughts. In any event, they ring true and contribute greatly to holding readers' interest. Several well-rendered full-page line illustrations augment and illuminate the text. Unfortunately, there is no index. --David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, WA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Heinemann/Raintree
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 081147237X
• ISBN 13: 9780811472371
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 71
• Illustrator: Porter Frederick