Heroes by Alan Gratz is intense and page-turning historical fiction for mature middle-grade readers that is set in Pearl Harbor during WWII.

Heroes by Alan Gratz

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Middle-Grade, WWII, Pearl Harbor, Friendship, Survival, Family Life

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My Summary:

Frank and Stanley are best friends and live with their families on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii. They entertain themselves by writing comic book stories: Frank writes the stories and Stanley creates the illustrations. On December 7, 1941, their lives change when the Japanese attack the United States. The boys are touring a battleship when their fight for survival and safety begins. Amid the terror, destruction, and disaster, the boys draw upon strength they didn’t know they had. Saving their own lives and helping the injured is made more complicated as Stanley’s mother is Japanese-American and he suddenly faces prejudice and racism.

My Thoughts:

“Real heroes step up when others are hurting.”

“I Survived…”

A large part of the story is devoted to physical survival. They are on a ship in the harbor when the bombing starts. They see death and destruction and experience fear.

In addition, both Frank and Stanley face personal battles. Frank battles debilitating anxiety and fear. He’s constantly evaluating any situation for how things could go wrong or how someone might get hurt. As the bombs drop over Pearl Harbor, he faces some significant fears. Stanley’s mother is Japanese-American, so he battles prejudice and racism and is ultimately placed in a detainment camp.

The author handles the survival aspect and each boy’s battle with compassion, sensitivity, and understanding, providing many teachable moments and opportunities for grand discussions.

“You’re braver than you know, Frank.”

Friendship and Super Heroes

At the heart of many middle-grade stories is the theme of friendship which is brilliantly portrayed in Heroes. Although the road is full of pitfalls, twists, and turns for these superheroes, Frank grows in his understanding of prejudice and racism and Stanley grows in his ability to appreciate Frank’s anxiety. They are able to support each other and identify the superhero within.

Mature Middle-Grade

This story contains mature content and graphic descriptions of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, death, and destruction. These difficult passages are handled sensitively by the author, but I’m recommending this for older middle-grade students and mature readers. (seventh and eighth grade). Some background into the bombing of Pearl Harbor will be helpful.

Content Consideration: war, bombing, death, injuries

Recommending Heroes:

Fans of MG histfic, comic book heroes, and themes of friendship will appreciate this riveting and multi-layered WWII story. This story would pair well with an age-appropriate nonfiction title about Pearl Harbor.

Related: You might also enjoy Refugee by the same author.

My Rating: 5 Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of Heroes, Alan Gratz

Alan Gratz is the author of a number of books for young readers, including Refugee, Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. He lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with his family, where he enjoys reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Follow Alan Gratz on Twitter: @alangratz.

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QOTD:

Do you love MG historical fiction?
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