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Heroes
December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. With their dads stationed at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii, the boys get to soak up the sunshine while writing and drawing their own comic books. World War II might be raging overseas, but so far America has stayed out of the fight. There's nothing to fear, right?
December 7th, 1941: Everything implodes.
Frank and Stanley are touring a battleship when Japanese planes zoom overhead, dropping bomb after bomb. As explosions roar and sailors scream, Frank and Stanley realize the unthinkable is happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them.
Frantically, the boys struggle to find safety. But disaster and danger are everywhere--from torpedoes underwater to bullets on the beach... to the shocking cruelty that their friends and neighbors show Stanley. Because his mom is Japanese-American, Stanley is suddenly seen as the "enemy." And Frank, who is white, cannot begin to understand what his friend is now facing.
If the boys make it through this infamous day, can their friendship--and their dreams--survive? Or has everything they know been destroyed?
December 7th, 1941: Everything implodes.
Frank and Stanley are touring a battleship when Japanese planes zoom overhead, dropping bomb after bomb. As explosions roar and sailors scream, Frank and Stanley realize the unthinkable is happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them.
Frantically, the boys struggle to find safety. But disaster and danger are everywhere--from torpedoes underwater to bullets on the beach... to the shocking cruelty that their friends and neighbors show Stanley. Because his mom is Japanese-American, Stanley is suddenly seen as the "enemy." And Frank, who is white, cannot begin to understand what his friend is now facing.
If the boys make it through this infamous day, can their friendship--and their dreams--survive? Or has everything they know been destroyed?
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
248 people are currently reading
4,903 people want to read
About the author
Alan Gratz
44books4,329followersAlan Gratz is the bestselling author of a number of novels for young readers. His 2017 novel Refugee has spent more than two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the winner of 14 state awards. Its other accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor, and a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights Honor. Refugee was also a Global Read Aloud Book for 2018.
Alan’s novel Grenade debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list, and his most recent book, Allies, debuted at number two on the list and received four starred reviews. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.
Alan has traveled extensively to talk about his books, appearing at schools and book festivals in 39 states and a half-dozen countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Switzerland, and has been a Writer in Residence at Tokyo’s American School in Japan, the James Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, and the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia.
Alan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the 1982 World’s Fair. After a carefree but humid childhood, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master’s degree in English education. He now lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing games, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, reading books.
Alan’s novel Grenade debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list, and his most recent book, Allies, debuted at number two on the list and received four starred reviews. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.
Alan has traveled extensively to talk about his books, appearing at schools and book festivals in 39 states and a half-dozen countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Switzerland, and has been a Writer in Residence at Tokyo’s American School in Japan, the James Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, and the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia.
Alan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the 1982 World’s Fair. After a carefree but humid childhood, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master’s degree in English education. He now lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing games, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, reading books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
March 16, 2024
4.5 stars
What? Another exciting and engaging YA historical novel from Alan Gratz is out? Gotta read that!
“Heroes� focuses on two boys, Frank and Stanley, who suddenly find themselves in the middle of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The action is non-stop, and the story also depicts personal struggles the boys go through. Frank lives in constant fear of, well, basically everything because of an “Incident� that happened in his past, while Stanley struggles more after the attack because of his Japanese-American heritage.
The only thing that didn’t quite work for me with this book -- and it’s a complaint I’ve had about other modern books lately -- is that the first-person narration doesn’t always feel real. The story is told by 13-year-old Frank and sometimes he seems too knowledgeable about issues that he probably wouldn’t have been, and his explanations of things don’t always ring true for the era they were living in (they seem more informed by modern, adult sensibilities). The Gratz book I read just before, “Grenade�, was told in third-person and that felt more convincing and didn’t take me out of the story like the first-person narration here sometimes did.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be recommending it, and all the other Gratz books, to students and lovers of excellent YA fiction.
What? Another exciting and engaging YA historical novel from Alan Gratz is out? Gotta read that!
“Heroes� focuses on two boys, Frank and Stanley, who suddenly find themselves in the middle of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The action is non-stop, and the story also depicts personal struggles the boys go through. Frank lives in constant fear of, well, basically everything because of an “Incident� that happened in his past, while Stanley struggles more after the attack because of his Japanese-American heritage.
The only thing that didn’t quite work for me with this book -- and it’s a complaint I’ve had about other modern books lately -- is that the first-person narration doesn’t always feel real. The story is told by 13-year-old Frank and sometimes he seems too knowledgeable about issues that he probably wouldn’t have been, and his explanations of things don’t always ring true for the era they were living in (they seem more informed by modern, adult sensibilities). The Gratz book I read just before, “Grenade�, was told in third-person and that felt more convincing and didn’t take me out of the story like the first-person narration here sometimes did.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be recommending it, and all the other Gratz books, to students and lovers of excellent YA fiction.
March 8, 2024
Alan Gratz is fast becoming one of my favorite middle grade authors. He puts the reader right into the middle of the action and doesn't let go.
February 11, 2024
Alan Gratz writes excellent young adult / tween historical fiction. His stories not only introduce his target audience to history, but also injects the moral dilemmas our history sometimes faces. In his latest release two young boys find themselves thrown into the events of Dec 7, 1941. One boy must face his fears head on while the other deals with what it means to be an American of Japanese decent in Hawaii post Dec 7th. An excellent story told by a master. I hope elementary and middle school teachers take note of this author and his fabulous stories.
November 22, 2023
Alan Gratz never disappoints! Weaving in superheroes and WW2 was seamless and beautifully done in this amazing novel! I can’t wait to get it in the hands of my students!
May 3, 2024
"'A real hero steps in when they see people getting hurt, no matter what'" � a quote that the characters of Heroes wonderfully demonstrate in so many different ways. From the very beginning of the book, the nonstop action carried me right through the story! I felt really involved in the action of the plot and enjoyed Gratz's attention to sensory details � it greatly helped to bring the story to life. The plot is definitely well structured and holds a lot of exciting action. The main characters, Frank and Stanley, have so many realistic thoughts, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses that I found it very easy to connect with them during their dynamic development. Since this novel accurately portrays the cruelty that Japanese Americans faced after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the fear and shock of such mistreatment is presented in a personal level with the reader through Stanley's character (he has Japanese ancestry). Displaying descriptive word choices and smooth flow, Gratz's writing style is a balanced approach for the riveting action in the story. Heroes is an exciting and action-packed look at a day "which will live in infamy."
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖
Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
� 📈 Plot: 5/5
� 📝 Writing: 4/5
� 👥 Characters: 4/5
Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
� 🤬 Language: 1/5
•a few uses of d*mn and h*ll;
also one use of God's name
in vain (most of it takes
place on just one page)
� ⚔️ Violence: 2/5
•some war action and
violence; mild descriptions
of injuries and suffering
� ⚠️ S*xual: 0/5
Random Comments:
� the author's political opinion
that America should be involved
in global affairs is indirectly
asserted both through a
character's quote and in the
"Author's Note"
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖
Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
� 📈 Plot: 5/5
� 📝 Writing: 4/5
� 👥 Characters: 4/5
Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
� 🤬 Language: 1/5
•a few uses of d*mn and h*ll;
also one use of God's name
in vain (most of it takes
place on just one page)
� ⚔️ Violence: 2/5
•some war action and
violence; mild descriptions
of injuries and suffering
� ⚠️ S*xual: 0/5
Random Comments:
� the author's political opinion
that America should be involved
in global affairs is indirectly
asserted both through a
character's quote and in the
"Author's Note"
September 3, 2024
Another great kids book by this guy! The character arc is perfectly done. It’s all about finding the courage within you while teaching about the many heroes in wartime.
Excerpts:
Getting superpowers is one thing. Choosing how to use your powers is another. That’s what an origin story is.
Dad pulled me into a hug which he hadn’t it done since I was a kid. I was surprised, but I hugged him back. Hard. “Remember what President Roosevelt said. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,� he whispered into my ear. “You’re braver than you think, Frank McCoy.�
Of all the things in the world I was afraid of, I suddenly realized that my greatest fear was being too scared to do the right thing. That’s who I wanted to be. That’s who I was. Because THIS was the real McCoy.
Excerpts:
Getting superpowers is one thing. Choosing how to use your powers is another. That’s what an origin story is.
Dad pulled me into a hug which he hadn’t it done since I was a kid. I was surprised, but I hugged him back. Hard. “Remember what President Roosevelt said. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,� he whispered into my ear. “You’re braver than you think, Frank McCoy.�
Of all the things in the world I was afraid of, I suddenly realized that my greatest fear was being too scared to do the right thing. That’s who I wanted to be. That’s who I was. Because THIS was the real McCoy.
March 23, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for an ARC copy of Heros: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz. This book is fantastic! Very age appropriate. It focuses on Frank and Stanley, best friends, who find themselves smack dab in the middle of the attack on Pearl Harber. It weaves history and action together seamlessly which will keep kids reading and turning those pages. I highly recommend this to middle-grade readers, but I think older readers would enjoy it as well. Alan Gratz is a wonderful writer! I can't wait to read more of his books with my kiddos.
January 17, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Alan Gratz, you have done it again. This is now the fourth of his books that I have read, and it is one of my favorites. Heroes follows Frank and his Japanese-American friend Stanley and their journey right before, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Frank is afraid of everything, and I truly mean everything. From falling down to giant eels to flip flops, Frank deals with a lot of anxiety for a thirteen-year-old. However, he and Stanley are put in an impossible situation that asks them to find the strength to be heroes during the attack.
After the attack, more trouble is stirred up for the two as Frank must wrestle with the effects of prejudice and racism as it affects his best friend.
Throughout the story, the two boys discuss their love of comic books and superheroes; Frank as the writer and Stanley as the illustrator. The novel's end features a 10-page comic that is charming and such an interesting and heartwarming addition to this story.
This was such a great read, and I can't wait to recommend it when it comes out to my middle-grade readers, although this book would be enjoyable for all readers alike!
Alan Gratz, you have done it again. This is now the fourth of his books that I have read, and it is one of my favorites. Heroes follows Frank and his Japanese-American friend Stanley and their journey right before, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Frank is afraid of everything, and I truly mean everything. From falling down to giant eels to flip flops, Frank deals with a lot of anxiety for a thirteen-year-old. However, he and Stanley are put in an impossible situation that asks them to find the strength to be heroes during the attack.
After the attack, more trouble is stirred up for the two as Frank must wrestle with the effects of prejudice and racism as it affects his best friend.
Throughout the story, the two boys discuss their love of comic books and superheroes; Frank as the writer and Stanley as the illustrator. The novel's end features a 10-page comic that is charming and such an interesting and heartwarming addition to this story.
This was such a great read, and I can't wait to recommend it when it comes out to my middle-grade readers, although this book would be enjoyable for all readers alike!
January 13, 2024
One Sentence Summary: A fictionalized account of the Pearl Harbor attack through the lens of two young American boys, one white and one with Japanese ancestry.
Reminds Me Of: Previous Alan Gratz Historical Fiction, I Survived Series
Three Reasons You Should Read This:
1. While there are a TON of books about WWII, this was an interesting look at the very beginning of the war for America.
2. Gratz does middle grade historical fiction so well.
3. A lot of the themes like responsibility and racism represented here are still very relevant today.
One Thing You Should Know Before You Pick This Up:
This describes what the boys see during the attack - so lots of death and horrible injuries.
Content Warnings:
Death of a Loved One, Phobias, All the Trauma, War/Military Attack, Bodily Injuries, Death, Racism, Bullying, Blood, Animal Attack
Soundtrack:
My Hero - Foo Fighters
The Funeral - Band of Horses
Pompeii - Bastille
Reminds Me Of: Previous Alan Gratz Historical Fiction, I Survived Series
Three Reasons You Should Read This:
1. While there are a TON of books about WWII, this was an interesting look at the very beginning of the war for America.
2. Gratz does middle grade historical fiction so well.
3. A lot of the themes like responsibility and racism represented here are still very relevant today.
One Thing You Should Know Before You Pick This Up:
This describes what the boys see during the attack - so lots of death and horrible injuries.
Content Warnings:
Death of a Loved One, Phobias, All the Trauma, War/Military Attack, Bodily Injuries, Death, Racism, Bullying, Blood, Animal Attack
Soundtrack:
My Hero - Foo Fighters
The Funeral - Band of Horses
Pompeii - Bastille
February 20, 2024
HEROES wasn't my favourite Gratz novel, but I think a lot of younger readers are going to love the nonstop adventure and action, and heavy dose of history. These two boys somehow survive through fiery danger and deal with some heavy emotions along the way.
While this is historical fiction, I think that the MC could be a relatable character to young readers today because of his anxiety and his reluctance to do anything outside of his comfort zone/safe zone.
I do wish there was a bit more of character build up, so some of the moments were more impactful, but I think that just me wishing to get he REFUGEE emotional experience again.
Wasn't the biggest fan of the author's note, but well.
Will probably continue to read his books because they are super entertaining!
Happy reading!
While this is historical fiction, I think that the MC could be a relatable character to young readers today because of his anxiety and his reluctance to do anything outside of his comfort zone/safe zone.
I do wish there was a bit more of character build up, so some of the moments were more impactful, but I think that just me wishing to get he REFUGEE emotional experience again.
Wasn't the biggest fan of the author's note, but well.
Will probably continue to read his books because they are super entertaining!
Happy reading!
September 18, 2024
Heroes by Alan Gratz is an action-packed historical account about friendship and what it means to be a hero. Set during the attack of Pearl Harbor, this book brings the event to life in a pulse-pounding yet tween-appropriate way, while highlighting common social issues like racial prejudice. The protagonists� love for art and writing will also be immensely relatable for young readers.
Full review & discussion guide:
Full review & discussion guide:
April 16, 2024
I have read many Alan Gratz and he never disappoints. He is able to take history and intwine it into a story keeping the reader engaged and learning. Two young boys are living on Pearl Harbor when December 7, 1941 happens. They work together to survive and then help others do the same.
February 18, 2024
Probably the best book I’ve ever read
February 28, 2025
“Heroes� by Alan Gratz is a children’s survival story.
Set in December 1941, in Pearle Harbour, “Heroes� tells the story of two thirteen-year-old boys and the strength of their friendship in the face of a war. Stanely struggles with his own fears, worrying gripped by anxiety, while his best friend, Frank, struggles with being painted as an enemy because of his Japanese ancestry.
The story is told with an age-appropriate narrative and details. It is action-packed with high-stakes. It is a story young readers won’t want to put down.
“Heroes� is a powerful and engaging Y.A. historical fiction novel.
Set in December 1941, in Pearle Harbour, “Heroes� tells the story of two thirteen-year-old boys and the strength of their friendship in the face of a war. Stanely struggles with his own fears, worrying gripped by anxiety, while his best friend, Frank, struggles with being painted as an enemy because of his Japanese ancestry.
The story is told with an age-appropriate narrative and details. It is action-packed with high-stakes. It is a story young readers won’t want to put down.
“Heroes� is a powerful and engaging Y.A. historical fiction novel.
March 30, 2024
Two Navy brats solidify their friendship as the world explodes all around them in Pearl Harbor. At one point, bombs dropping overhead, the water on fire and sharkes and eels beneath, the threats were everywhere.
I admire how good Gratz is at writing for kids. He often plunges into the most horrific parts of history and doesn’t pull punches. His readers will feel the full horror. Yet, he still manages to walk the middle-grade line. His books also showcase fully realized characters and a broader message of historical poignancy. In this book, the harshness of how American citizens of Japanese ancestry were targeted. His books are not for every young reader, but so many of my students get the most dramatic and traumatic portions of history shown to them with large doses of humanity.
RATL - Adventure Genre
I admire how good Gratz is at writing for kids. He often plunges into the most horrific parts of history and doesn’t pull punches. His readers will feel the full horror. Yet, he still manages to walk the middle-grade line. His books also showcase fully realized characters and a broader message of historical poignancy. In this book, the harshness of how American citizens of Japanese ancestry were targeted. His books are not for every young reader, but so many of my students get the most dramatic and traumatic portions of history shown to them with large doses of humanity.
RATL - Adventure Genre
April 15, 2024
Not my favorite Alan Gratz book I’ve read, but still a gripping story/account of the Pearl Harbor attack. He does such a great job telling major historical events through a young adolescent viewpoint.
January 29, 2024
This is going to be insanely popular bc 1. Alan Gratz, 2. The topic: Pearl Harbor, and 3. It is so short! I recommend buying LOTS of copies.
Read
September 5, 2024An intense retelling of the attack on Pearl Harbor from the perspective of a 13-year-old boy who was caught up in the middle of it. Explores anti-Asian-American discrimination as a result of the Japanese attack and the theme of heroism. Aimed at middle-grade readers.
July 25, 2024
Easy to read. Not my favorite of his but still good.
Shelved as 'notes-on-unfinished-books'
June 25, 2024I read 29 pages.
The writing quality was fine. I kept mentally comparing it to , which did a much stronger job of capturing the Hawaiian setting. The character dynamics were well established and foreshadowed problems that would occur later in the book.
The writing quality was fine. I kept mentally comparing it to , which did a much stronger job of capturing the Hawaiian setting. The character dynamics were well established and foreshadowed problems that would occur later in the book.
July 5, 2024
Heroes focuses on two boys, Frank and Stanley, who find themselves in the middle of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, a day that will change their lives forever. Frank must face his fears as well as deal with the sudden prejudice and racism that Stanley now has to face because of his Japanese-American heritage.
Alan Gratz writes terrific, fast-paced historical novels for young teens. While he pulls at the heartstrings he doesn't dilute the realities of what happened at Pearl Harbor. Some of the scenes are quite graphic but the action is non-stop and many readers will identify with Frank and his constant anxiety. As the reader, I felt I was there in the middle of the carnage and aftermath of the bombings as Frank and Stanley struggle to escape the sinking USS Utah and try to make it back to Ford Island.
I loved the comic at the novel's end as it gives the reader a snippet of what happens to the two boys in the future. While Heroes has many deals with many issues including facing one's fears, racism, bullying and courage, at its heart is a friendship built on the love of comic books.
A fabulous read.
Alan Gratz writes terrific, fast-paced historical novels for young teens. While he pulls at the heartstrings he doesn't dilute the realities of what happened at Pearl Harbor. Some of the scenes are quite graphic but the action is non-stop and many readers will identify with Frank and his constant anxiety. As the reader, I felt I was there in the middle of the carnage and aftermath of the bombings as Frank and Stanley struggle to escape the sinking USS Utah and try to make it back to Ford Island.
I loved the comic at the novel's end as it gives the reader a snippet of what happens to the two boys in the future. While Heroes has many deals with many issues including facing one's fears, racism, bullying and courage, at its heart is a friendship built on the love of comic books.
A fabulous read.
April 15, 2024
I know a lot about Pearl Harbor. My father was a WWII pilot and was shot down later in the war in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Thus, as I grew up I learned so much from all my family, and have read quite a bit myself of this time of history, too. But I don't remember the ground-shaking details of that attack by the Japanese that Gratz tells in this new history, the horrible scenes, and the aftermath, too. In this, two upper-middle-school-age boys, Frank and Stanley, whose dads are pilots, have cemented their friendship because Frank loves to write and Stanley loves to draw. They have exciting plans to do comic books with their own "superhero"! Caught in what they thought would be an awesome tour of the Utah battleship from Frank's sister's boyfriend, Brooks, the Japanese attack began. It's a terrifying account that, if you like historical fiction, is a must-read. The story is compounded by the fact that Stanley is half-Japanese, not a good thing at all. And, throughout the story, nothing is easy for Frank because in his previous school and neighborhood, he was bullied continuously, learning to hide with as little confrontation as possible, imagining every tiny thing in varying circumstances that could go wrong. Their friendship is not always easy, but it is one to look at and admire. It's another special book of history for middle school, with a sweet surprise at the end and added information from Gratz, including a glossary.
February 24, 2024
This is my second book by Alan Gratz and I’m still amazed about how we can so realistic historical fiction like this! The action and deeply meaningful twists kept my attention the entire story.
December 1941 best friends Stanley and Frank are best friends who’s fathers are Navy pilots stationed in Pearl Harbor. They spend their days discussing comic books and heroes hoping they’ll have their own published one day.
After a big fight the 2 boys are off to tour the USS Utah with Frank’s sisters sailor boyfriend. While on board Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese. Chaos ensues as plans drop bombs on the Pacific fleet made to protect them.
The boys have to encounter obstacles and heartbreak to make their way home and once they do they realize everything has changed - Stanley’s mother is Japanese American and terrible prejudice he faces now makes him the enemy when all he wants to be is a hero.
Gratz pulls on your heart strings and drags you right into the middle of the carnage and aftermath of Pearl Harbor from the point of you of a young man. Great book for young teens to adults.
December 1941 best friends Stanley and Frank are best friends who’s fathers are Navy pilots stationed in Pearl Harbor. They spend their days discussing comic books and heroes hoping they’ll have their own published one day.
After a big fight the 2 boys are off to tour the USS Utah with Frank’s sisters sailor boyfriend. While on board Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese. Chaos ensues as plans drop bombs on the Pacific fleet made to protect them.
The boys have to encounter obstacles and heartbreak to make their way home and once they do they realize everything has changed - Stanley’s mother is Japanese American and terrible prejudice he faces now makes him the enemy when all he wants to be is a hero.
Gratz pulls on your heart strings and drags you right into the middle of the carnage and aftermath of Pearl Harbor from the point of you of a young man. Great book for young teens to adults.
February 6, 2024
Gratz narrates a fairly simple story of two friends trying to survive the attack that drew the US into WWII. Frank and Stanley navigate the bombing of Pearl Harbor, trying to get back to their families and safety. Meanwhile they are navigating an awkwardness in their friendship and the painful realization that Stanley's Japanese ancestry now suddenly means more than it used to. I found it slightly odd that they found time, while dogding bombs at an airfield, to discuss anxiety from past traumas, but with the story contained to just a few days, I suppose the character development had to happen fast. This was a quick read and should find an audience.
February 24, 2024
3.5 rounded down because I just expected so much more from one of my favorite authors on a topic that's hugely important to me.
Not a bad book at all, but not up to Gratz's usual standard. This book lacked the shock and pizzazz that he's so well known for.
It lacked a lot of the cliffhanger chapter endings and there was no big twist that he's famous for. This book was also missing his trademark multi-narrator technique which will disappoint a lot of readers. This story should have been told from more than just Frank's point of view. Not getting in additional viewpoints was a massively bungled opportunity. Pearl Harbor should have been a thrilling subject and this just missed the mark.
Not a bad book at all, but not up to Gratz's usual standard. This book lacked the shock and pizzazz that he's so well known for.
It lacked a lot of the cliffhanger chapter endings and there was no big twist that he's famous for. This book was also missing his trademark multi-narrator technique which will disappoint a lot of readers. This story should have been told from more than just Frank's point of view. Not getting in additional viewpoints was a massively bungled opportunity. Pearl Harbor should have been a thrilling subject and this just missed the mark.
November 15, 2023
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Alan Gratz is probably the most popular historical fiction author with my 5th and 6th students. This time is he writing about Pearl Harbor. I like the focus on a one day event. Heroes was shorter than most of his other books. The characters were OK and the action kept the story moving. Overall the book felt a little rushed to me. That be said, Gratz is still the man. Kids can’t wait for this book and it will be read by and enjoyed by many students.
Alan Gratz is probably the most popular historical fiction author with my 5th and 6th students. This time is he writing about Pearl Harbor. I like the focus on a one day event. Heroes was shorter than most of his other books. The characters were OK and the action kept the story moving. Overall the book felt a little rushed to me. That be said, Gratz is still the man. Kids can’t wait for this book and it will be read by and enjoyed by many students.
August 22, 2024
Frank and Stanley are best friends who live on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base with their families. Both of their fathers are in the Navy, and both feel pretty lucky to have a friend. Frank hasn't had many friends since "the incident" at his last place on the mainland. Stanley is half Japanese American/half white American. Frank's older sister's boyfriend has promised them a tour of the U.S.S. Utah where he's stationed on the morning of December 6. Just after they start the tour, the unthinkable happens, the Japanese attack. Can Frank and Stanley make it back across Pearl Harbor to the island where their homes are?
A lot of books have been written about people on the Hawaiian islands during and just after the attack on Dec 6, 1941, but I have never read one that placed you with characters in the midst of all the destruction happening. This makes the attack on Pearl Harbor come to vivid and memorable life for readers. It is deadly serious and also features a character with severe anxiety and a character of Japanese ancestry in the midst of such a situation. The characters are both middle grade age, but because of the intense, deadly, super serious situations they faced I'm shelving this in YA.
Notes on content:
Language: I think it was about 4 minor swears (if I remember correctly).
Sexual content: None
Violence: The boys witness people die from gun shots, burns, explosions, etc. They also help people with really bad injuries which are somewhat described. A named character dies.
Ethnic diversity: White, Hawaiian, Japanese American, and Black
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Stanley faces severe racism after the attack. Frank has severe anxiety.
A lot of books have been written about people on the Hawaiian islands during and just after the attack on Dec 6, 1941, but I have never read one that placed you with characters in the midst of all the destruction happening. This makes the attack on Pearl Harbor come to vivid and memorable life for readers. It is deadly serious and also features a character with severe anxiety and a character of Japanese ancestry in the midst of such a situation. The characters are both middle grade age, but because of the intense, deadly, super serious situations they faced I'm shelving this in YA.
Notes on content:
Language: I think it was about 4 minor swears (if I remember correctly).
Sexual content: None
Violence: The boys witness people die from gun shots, burns, explosions, etc. They also help people with really bad injuries which are somewhat described. A named character dies.
Ethnic diversity: White, Hawaiian, Japanese American, and Black
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Stanley faces severe racism after the attack. Frank has severe anxiety.
February 2, 2024
What I love about Alan Gratz's books is that they pull you in on page one and don't let go the rest of the book. He really puts you right in the middle of the action.
We meet Frank and Stanley, best friends who live at Pearl Harbor. They love comics and are working on writing their own. But while Frank loves the idea of superheroes like Captain America, he's terrified of everything and freezes up whenever danger arises. The morning of December 7th, they are visiting one of the battleships with a family friend when the Japanese attack. Will Frank be able to make it to safety or will he freeze and get himself and everyone around him killed?
This story is non-stop. I thought he did a great job of putting you in the middle of everything. I also appreciated the sub-plot about Stanley being a Japanese American character and what that would have looked like. I also really enjoyed how he wove superheroes and comics into the story, even including a comic written by Frank and Stanley at the end!
I think this book is an excellent introduction to the topic and would be even better paired with something like History Smashers: Pearl Harbor.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
We meet Frank and Stanley, best friends who live at Pearl Harbor. They love comics and are working on writing their own. But while Frank loves the idea of superheroes like Captain America, he's terrified of everything and freezes up whenever danger arises. The morning of December 7th, they are visiting one of the battleships with a family friend when the Japanese attack. Will Frank be able to make it to safety or will he freeze and get himself and everyone around him killed?
This story is non-stop. I thought he did a great job of putting you in the middle of everything. I also appreciated the sub-plot about Stanley being a Japanese American character and what that would have looked like. I also really enjoyed how he wove superheroes and comics into the story, even including a comic written by Frank and Stanley at the end!
I think this book is an excellent introduction to the topic and would be even better paired with something like History Smashers: Pearl Harbor.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 25, 2024
This book is a great introduction to Pearl Harbor for young readers. The well-known stories of the attack are portrayed with our young protagonists as part of them. One of the characters is of Japanese descent, so we get to experience the unfairness of the hatred and fear of Japanese Americans after the bombs fell.
This book has a theme throughout of bravery and cowardice and what they really are. Frank had an 'incident' that traumatized him and he is too afraid to stand up for others. His friend calls him out for it and says this to him. Of course, he does brave things while being scared and finds out he is not a coward after all.
I've managed to get to an advanced age without hearing this poem. This author didn't write it and it was made famous because Eleanor Roosevelt carried it in her pocket during the War. It is included as a section divider in the book.
Content notes: violence from guns, bombs, and flames, hate speech toward Japanese Americans
How do you think you can write about heroes if you can't be one yourself?
This book has a theme throughout of bravery and cowardice and what they really are. Frank had an 'incident' that traumatized him and he is too afraid to stand up for others. His friend calls him out for it and says this to him. Of course, he does brave things while being scared and finds out he is not a coward after all.
Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way
Help me remember
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there
be war,
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?
I've managed to get to an advanced age without hearing this poem. This author didn't write it and it was made famous because Eleanor Roosevelt carried it in her pocket during the War. It is included as a section divider in the book.
Content notes: violence from guns, bombs, and flames, hate speech toward Japanese Americans
March 4, 2024
4.5
“Take it from somebody with a lot of experience with fear. It’s not being scared that matters. That’s only human. It’s what you do when you’re scared that counts.�
As I’ve come to expect of any story by Alan Gratz, this is told with frankness and truth. You view the event through the eyes of someone living it- in a manner that you may not have dreamed of before.
Two friends living on Ford Island with their military families lives are changed when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. One of the boys is Japanese American- which changes his life, and possibly their friendship.
“A real hero always fights for what is right.�
Bonus: A 10 page comic written and illustrated by the 2 friends in the story. The main character is an American born Japanese American. Perfect ending.
“Take it from somebody with a lot of experience with fear. It’s not being scared that matters. That’s only human. It’s what you do when you’re scared that counts.�
As I’ve come to expect of any story by Alan Gratz, this is told with frankness and truth. You view the event through the eyes of someone living it- in a manner that you may not have dreamed of before.
Two friends living on Ford Island with their military families lives are changed when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. One of the boys is Japanese American- which changes his life, and possibly their friendship.
“A real hero always fights for what is right.�
Bonus: A 10 page comic written and illustrated by the 2 friends in the story. The main character is an American born Japanese American. Perfect ending.
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