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Half a Man

Michael Morpurgo

201455 pagesabout 1 hour
2014
first published
  • 2014Walker Books · 55 pages · ENGISBN 9781406351330
  • 2015Walker Books · ENGISBN 9781406360769
  • 2015Candlewick Press · 64 pages · ENGISBN 9780763680916
  • 2015Candlewick Press · 64 pages · ENGISBN 9780763686284
  • 2016Walker Books, Limited · ENGISBN 9781406367133
  • 2015Candlewick · 64 pagesISBN 9780763677473

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 as he finally learns the story behind Grandpa's injuries, he gets 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 some of the scars that have divided his family for so long.

How it feels

MoodSad
AtmosphereBleak

Worth knowing

ViolenceFrequent

When and where

Reading situationRead aloud
ThemesWar

Content notes

  • Warmoderateunreviewed
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