Half a Man

· Candlewick Press
Ebook
64
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

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.

About the author

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.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.