A gripping, historical look at the 1941 invasion of Pearl Harbor is brought to life by two boys. Young Frank McCoy narrates the tale. Dad is a Navy fighter pilot. Frank’s best friend is Stanley Summers whose dad is also stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Frank and Stanley love living in sunny Hawaii. Their favorite thing to do together is creating their own comic books. It’s a perfect pairing with Frank writing the story and Stanley illustrating. But everything changes on December 7, 1941.
They are in the worst place, touring a battleship when the Japanese airplanes start dropping bombs. It’s a frantic and terrifying race to safety.
This short book trailer gives readers a preview of how the story unfolds:
The author did take a few liberties with the historical aspects of Pearl Harbor, but it doesn’t detract from the absolute horror taking place that day. The theme of what it really means to be a hero is present throughout. Also significant is the growing prejudice directed toward Stanley and his mother along with other Japanese Americans after the attack.
HEROES is a page turning achievement, sure to please the MG audience. Another winner from Alan Gratz.
PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 2/6/2024
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HEROES by Alan Gratz
- A 10-page comic is included in the back pages. It’s the comic the boys hoped to write some day. A great way to bring closure to the story.
- The plot is presented in three parts: BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the attack. The Author’s note gives even more background on Pearl Harbor.
- Frank and Stanley are two memorable characters. Their emotions come forth in every scene and their friendship is tested
- I have visited the Pearl Harbor site, but continued to learn more about the fateful day and its aftereffects reading this account.
- Action packed and hard to put down, this story will appeal to all those who enjoy historical fiction. HEROES may even hook other readers to give this genre a try.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels and graphic novels for young readers, including Heroes, Two Degrees, Captain America: The Ghost Army, Ground Zero, Refugee, Allies, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Alan is now a full-time writer living in Portland, Oregon with his family. Learn more about him online at www.alangratz.com.
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And Alan is a nice guy! Check out his YouTube visit to his “office.”
This sounds like a real page-turner that I’d like. Thanks for sharing it for MMGM this week.
I just finished reading Heroes, and it delivered all the excitement and story power I’ve come to anticipate and enjoy in Alan Gratz’s work. I recommend it!
I haven’t read any of Gratz’s books, but have wondered if they were well done. A very appealing genre, to be sure–for me and for many of the young readers I’ve known.
The cover reminds me a lot of Jennifer Nielsen’s books (so eye catching). Looks to be an exciting story. Happy MMGM
Good to see a new Alan Gratz book. I don’t like war movies, but I do like reading stories like this one as I can use my own imagination! This is going on my list. He writes thrilling stories that are meaningful.
Thank you for MMGM. Additional thanks for recommending Alan Gratz’s book.
I’m definitely reading this one, Greg, based on your review. I particularly like the complexity of Gratz’s approach: the insider’s view of surviving the Pearl Harbor attack combined with the prejudice shown to Japanese Americans. And comics thrown in!
ALan Gratz is an amazing author; he was one who got me going on historical fiction. I bought this book for my granddaughter; I will have to borrow it back from her to read it.
I’ve seen this book quite a few places. Haven’t read a Pearl Harbor book in a while, so maybe it’s time for this one!
I do not read enough historical fiction. It’s something I enjoy though! I will add this one to my reading list– your review has me very intrigued. 🙂