A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
Harry Mazer
📚 Genre
Historical Fiction - War Fiction
🏢 Publisher
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
📅 Publication Year
2001
🔢 ISBN
978-0689841606
About This Book
Adam Pelko is a fourteen-year-old living in Oahu, Hawaii, in December 1941. His father is an officer stationed at the naval base in Pearl Harbor. On the peaceful Sunday morning of December 7, Adam's life changes forever as Japanese warplanes attack the fleet. The cover features an illustration of a young boy looking up in horror and awe as fighter planes fly overhead with the red sun emblem of Japan, alongside a quote from Publishers Weekly calling it "Expert work."
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
136 pages
Edition
Paperback Edition
Series
Book 1 in the Boy at War Trilogy (followed by Boy at Sea and Dead Man's Island)
Target Audience
Middle Grade (Ages 9-13)
Collector Information
Condition
Good to Very Good condition. The cover shows minimal edge wear and clean surfaces, with vibrant colors preserved.
Estimated Value
$5-$12
Rarity
Common, as it is a widely printed and frequently read middle-grade historical fiction novel commonly found in school libraries and used bookstores.
Historical Significance
A widely used educational and literary entry point for introducing middle-grade readers to the events of Pearl Harbor and the onset of World War II.
Collector Notes
Mainly collected for educational or nostalgic purposes rather than high financial value. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent cover fading.
Similar Books
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, Under a War-Torn Sky by L.M. Elliott
Notable Features
Includes a starred review quote from Publishers Weekly on the front cover.