Half a Man
Illustrator
Gemma O'Callaghan
Publisher
Candlewick Press
Publication Year
2015
ISBN
9780763677473
Pages
47 pages
Genre
realism
Format
chapter book
Item Type
Fiction
Annotation
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.
Grade Level
3-5; 6-8
Lexile Measure
770L
Diversity Topics
Family Relationships; Disability and Health; Family member death; Physical appearance; death of a grandparent; death of a grandfather; burns; scars
Main Character
male child
Race/Ethnicities
White
Family Formation
mother and father
Awards
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2016 Ages (9 to 12)
Distinguished Books, 2015 Fiction
Guardian's Best Children's Book, 2014 Best Book
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2014
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, 2015 Picture Book
USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2016 Grades 6-8
English 4-11 Picture Book Award, 2015, Short List, Picture Book
Keywords
grandparent; veterans; World War II; British naval operations; island; war stories; bonding
Diversity Impact
direct
STARS Citation
Morpurgo, Michael, "Half a Man" (2015). Diverse Families. 1856.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/1856