Additional information
by Michael Morpurgo (Author), Gemma O'Callaghan (Illustrator)
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.Author Biography
Michael Morpurgo, the British Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and the recipient of many awards, has written more than one hundred books, including Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew, illustrated by Peter Bailey; The Mozart Question, illustrated by Michael Foreman; and I Believe in Unicorns, illustrated by Gary Blythe. His hugely popular novel War Horse was made into both a critically acclaimed stage play and a highly successful film. Michael Morpurgo lives in Devon, England.
Gemma O'Callaghan is an illustrator and printmaker. This is her first book for children. She lives in England.
Number of Pages: 64
Dimensions: 0.6 x 7.4 x 6.3 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Accelerated Reader:
Quiz Name: Half a Man
Interest Level: Middle Grades, 4-8
Reading Level: 4.4
Point Value: 1
