Half a Man

Revered author Michael Morpurgo evokes the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war.

From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpa's ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare, he must not make too much noise, he must not ask Grandpa any questions about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays and learns the story behind Grandpa's injuries, finally getting to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing scars that have divided his family for so long.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 02/24/2015
ISBN: 9780763677473
Pages: 64
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 7.40h x 6.30w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 11/24/2014
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2014
School Library Journal 01/01/2015 pg. 82
Booklist 02/15/2015 pg. 86

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 169646 / Half a Man
Reading Level: 4.4 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 1