Half a Man

By Michael Morpurgo

Illustrated by Gemma O’Callaghan

Revered author Michael Morpurgo looks back on the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war.

Revered storyteller Michael Morpurgo remembers 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 as he finally learns the story behind his 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.

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 8+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406360769
  • Published: 02 Jul 2015
  • Price: £5.99
  •  
  • Size: 185 x 156 mm
  • Pages: 64

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'…a beautiful book with a serious, downbeat subject…' The School Librarian

'Moving and beautifully written, this perceptive short story does not hide from the truth but approaches it with empathy, making for a really moving succinctly told tale.' Parents in Touch

'Unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war.' The Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide

'This graphic, fictional story, simply and effectively illustrated by Gemma O’Callaghan, will show the 11-plus who read it not only how terrible it was to be so injured, but also what the consequences of such injuries were.' Newbury Weekly News

'Revered storyteller, Michael Morpurgo remembers the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war, featuring beautiful illustrations from new talent, Gemma O’Callaghan.' Surrey Advertiser

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