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A review by readinginmagnolia
Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz
5.0
This story is told in first person by thirteen-year-old Frank and narrated primarily by Pete Cross. I listened to the audiobook and found it to be a quick, compelling adventure full of heart and the history of Pearl Harbor. Frank is a great character. Frank is literally afraid of everything from drowning to barbecue grills and standing up to bullies despite his growing size. Great read for young people who are afraid and can relate to overcoming fear.
Frank and his best friend Stanley are invited to tour the USS Utah in Pearl Harbor. Both have family in the service. During their tour, the attack on Pearl Harbor begins. There’s an author’s note in the end about the timing of everything and some of the latitude taken for purposes of telling the story. I enjoyed viewing the attack from the perspective of these young men. Once the attack happens, the story is action packed and difficult to put down. It’s just one thing after another in short chapters that end on cliffhangers that encourage you to keep going instead of putting the story down. There’s also a small subplot regarding Stanley and his Japanese American mother and their treatment during and after the attack.
This was my second read by Alan Gratz. My local library group chose Refugee as a group read several years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While his books are written for middle grade readers, I would recommend them to anyone of any age.
Frank and his best friend Stanley are invited to tour the USS Utah in Pearl Harbor. Both have family in the service. During their tour, the attack on Pearl Harbor begins. There’s an author’s note in the end about the timing of everything and some of the latitude taken for purposes of telling the story. I enjoyed viewing the attack from the perspective of these young men. Once the attack happens, the story is action packed and difficult to put down. It’s just one thing after another in short chapters that end on cliffhangers that encourage you to keep going instead of putting the story down. There’s also a small subplot regarding Stanley and his Japanese American mother and their treatment during and after the attack.
This was my second read by Alan Gratz. My local library group chose Refugee as a group read several years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While his books are written for middle grade readers, I would recommend them to anyone of any age.