LoveReading4Kids Says
A provocative story about the return home of teenage war hero and war victim, Francis Joseph Cassavant, to confront his past - the youth leader he idolized and who betrayed him - and the girl he still loves.
LoveReading4Kids
About Heroes
When Francis Cassavant returns to his home town, his face horribly disfigured during World War II, he is tormented by memories of the conflict. People believe him to be a teenage war hero, not realising that his act of 'heroism' was in fact a suicide attempt. Back home, Francis has a mission - to get revenge on the youth leader he idolised, but betrayed him. And he's prepared to do whatever it takes.
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Heroes Synopsis
When Francis Cassavant returns to his home town, his face horribly disfigured during World War II, he is tormented by memories of the conflict. People believe him to be a teenage war hero, not realising that his act of 'heroism' was in fact a suicide attempt. Back home, Francis has a mission - to get revenge on the youth leader he idolised, but betrayed him. And he's prepared to do whatever it takes.
What are the themes?
Heroism, conflict, struggle against evil, guilt, forgiveness, loneliness, loyalty.
Teaching points
This short novel, with its gripping plot and engaging themes, is accessible to a wide range of abilities. Provides excellent opportunities for exploring structure and narrative viewpoint.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781405863964 |
| Publication date: |
6th April 2007 |
| Author: |
Robert Cormier |
| Publisher: |
Longman an imprint of Pearson Education |
| Format: |
Hardback |
| Pagination: |
106 pages |
| Series: |
New Longman Literature |
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About Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier (pronounced kor-MEER) lived all his life in Leominster, Massachusetts, a small town in the north-central part of the state, where he grew up as part of a close, warm community of French Canadian immigrants and lived with his wife, Connie, also from Leominster, and where they raised their three daughters and one son—all adults now. They never saw a reason to leave. “There are lots of untold stories right here on Main Street,†Cormier once said.
A newspaper reporter and columnist for 30 years (working for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and the Fitchburg Sentinel), Cormier was often inspired by news stories. What makes his works unique is his ability to make evil behavior understandable, though, of course, still evil. “I’m very much interested in intimidation,†he told an interviewer from School Library Journal. “And the way people manipulate other people. And the obvious abuse of authority.†All of these themes are evident in his young adult classic and best-known book, The Chocolate War. A 15-year-old fan of Cormier’s told him, “You always write from inside the person.â€
In 1974, Cormier published The Chocolate War, the novel that is still a bestseller. Instantly acclaimed, it was also the object of censorship attempts because of its uncompromising realism. In a front-page review in a special children’s issue of The New York Times Book Review, it was described as “masterfully structured and rich in theme,†and it went on to win countless awards and honors, was taught in schools and colleges throughout the world, and was translated into more than a dozen languages. I Am the Cheese followed in 1977 and After the First Death in 1979.
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