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Heroes are hard to find, especially for Sean, an angry and confused fifteen year old. Abused by his mother, estranged from his father, and plagued by academic and disciplinary problems at school, Sean is on a path to destruction. Then Sean is sentenced to community service on Mr. Hassler’s farm. Challenged and befriended by World War II veteran Dave Hassler, Sean is assigned heavy chores on the farm and given responsibility for caring for some of the horses. Working through crises, both emotional and physical, forces Sean to confront his fears and take charge of his own life. Through a new self- understanding he learns what makes a hero.
- 1999 An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- 1998 Oklahoma Book Award
- 1998 New York Public Libraries Books for the Teen Age
- 1999 Nominee, Oklahoma Sequoyah Book List
- 1999-2000 Black-Eyed Susan Book Award List (Maryland)
- 2000 Nevada Young Readers’ Award, Young Adult
- 2000 Texas Library Association TAYSHAS High School Reading List
- 2000 South Carolina Association of School Librarians Young Adult Book Award
- 2004 An ALA Popular Paperback
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"Hero had me laughing out loud on page three and nearly crying several times thereafter. Hero will have broad YA appeal because it cuts to the heart of issues about self-esteem, relationships, responsibility, and heroes. A heart-wrenching tale. Buy it."
VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
“Through Sean, [Rottman] gives readers a convincing and difficult protagonist and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a hero.”
School Library Journal
“Rottman makes a promising debut.... Sean[’s] message is a powerful one for adolescents.”
Publisher’s Weekly
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Ernest “Shadow” Thompson begins his sophomore year with the hope of turning over a new leaf. Ever since age eight, when his big brother Daniel ran away from home, taking Shadow’s piggybank and trust with him, Shadow has avoided close friendships. Now, seven years later, he’s joining the Speech and Debate team, has a few new friends, and thinks one of the girls might be interested in him! Then one day the phone rings, and it’s not one of Shadow’s new friends. It’s Daniel, making a phone call from jail. Can Shadow forgive his brother for breaking the law? For breaking their family? More importantly, should he even try?
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2004 Nominee, ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
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2003 Parents' Guide to Children's Media
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2004 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age List
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2003-4 Nominee, Keystone State Reading Association’s YA Book Award
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2004 Honor Book the Society of School Librarians International
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2005-2006 Finalist, Utah Beehive Book Award
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2005 IRA Young Adult Choice List
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“Rottman, … excels at realistically depicting teens struggling with family issues…Shadow tells the tale, and readers will empathize with his struggle to learn to trust again. Daniel’s sad story emerges gradually, and readers will eagerly turn the pages to discover what happens next. A quick, compelling read.”
Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT
“The book offers a convincing portrayal of a boy coming of age through traumas not of his own making, and it underscores the power of a family to forgive.”
KC , The Bulletin
“Particularly notable is Rottman's insightful depiction of family dynamics, which demonstrates the range of responses to crisis….A thought-provoking novel that highlights the difficulties and rewards of second chances and new beginnings.”
Shelle Rosenfeld,Booklist
“Rottman has a history of creating male characters that are dead-on, and Shadow is no exception. His struggle to be recognized as a unique person is something every teenager goes through, and the added stress of his brother’s return exacerbates the situation. The unusual plot gives the book its strength and appeal, and the realistic ending adds to its credibility and message.”
Lynn Evarts, School Library Journal
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