And…. Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz American History WWII Novel Guide is finally out! This is the read your students will try to miss recess for. Told through action-filled, immersive chapters, a story of two friends, Frank and Stanley who not only survive the bombing but save many lives along and show personal and character growth. I loved that Frank is a super diver being from Florida, of course he is. Out-swimming everyone is our superpower :).
Gratz depicts Hawaii, more specifically Honolulu, Oahu, as it truly is, multicultural, and through the stories of Stanley and Frank’s lives explains the complicated interrelationship of American immigration, sense of belonging, and discrimination suffered by the Japanese-Americans in the aftermath of December 7th, 1941. The boy’s love of comics and superheroes comes off the page, and it will even get those who never read one, to learn about the origin stories and character analysis. This story of friendship, belonging, and courage is one of the best middle-grade historical fiction I have ever read, on par with R.J. Palacio’s literary work.
Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz American History WWII Novel Guide includes maps, extension resources, reading comprehension questions, text-to-self questions, new vocabulary, character analysis activities, themes activities, cause and effect activities, word search, and an answer key.
High Interest Grades: 4-7
Thank you,
Mrs. Lena, M.Ed.
Follow KidsRead on Pinterest
Additional Resources by Alan Gratz:
Kids Read 