Half a man
By: Michael Morpurgo ; illustrated by Gemma O'Callaghan
Contributors: O'Callaghan, Gemma, illustrator
Publisher: Walker Books; Walker Books Ltd
Published: 2014
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 55
ISBN-13: 9781406351330; 9781406362626; 9781406362503
Subjects: Grandparent and child; Juvenile fiction; Veterans; World War, 1939-1945; British Naval operations; Children's stories; Fiction; Andra världskriget 1939-1945
Description: 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.
Notes: Originally published in 2005.