Hero

Rating:
Summary: Review from VOYA
Review: As a Jr. High English teacher, I have seen too many students who do not have anyone in their life to look up to. Hero looks at the lack of heroes in today's society, and examines what makes a hero. So far, my book seems to be receieved well by students, especially the reluctant readers.Here is another review that Hero has gotten.VOYA/December Hero had me laughing out loud on page three and nearly crying several times thereafter. Sean Parker is a tough kid, abused and neglected by his mother and seemingly abandoned by his father. A loner who refuses to join a gang, he manages to get into trouble regularly enough that, while suspended from ninth grade for fighting, he is caught out after curfew and sentenced to perform community service hours at a farm. During an intense week on Mr. Hassler's farm, Sean accomplishes more psychological growth than most achieve in a year and returns to school a changed person--only the school has not changed. Although heavily moral in places, Hero will have broad YA appeal because it cuts to the heart of issues about self-esteem, relationships, responsibility, and heroes. From the opening English assignment (to write about a hero) through Sean's diverse experiences, readers explore the characteristics of heroism. Rottman's novel closes with Sean's English paper--beautifully written, in character, yet unexpected. Few will be able to replicate the experiences Sean has, from the fairytale farm to his astounding psychological breakthroughs, but many will be glad to accompany him on his journey through these pages. A heart-wrenching tale. Buy it.--Cynthia L. Blinn.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for the 9th grade classroom!
Review: Hero is a sensitive and poignant portrait of a young man who has suffered physical abuse, but is offered an opportunity to learn some of life's most important lessons. Through the actions and dialogue of beautifully crafted characters, the author weaves themes of hope and redemption. I have used this book with at-risk 9th grade students who are very reluctant readers and, without exception, boys and girls alike love this book and respond to it very positively. Hero offers a myriad of wonderful discussion starters as well as journal writes and critical thinking opportunities. I use Hero in my English classes; however, I believe it could be used effectively in any course related to decision- and choice-making, relating to others in positive ways, and respecting others. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for the 9th grade classroom!
Review: Hero is a sensitive and poignant portrait of a young man who has suffered physical abuse, but is offered an opportunity to learn some of life's most important lessons. Through the actions and dialogue of beautifully crafted characters, the author weaves themes of hope and redemption. I have used this book with at-risk 9th grade students who are very reluctant readers and, without exception, boys and girls alike love this book and respond to it very positively. Hero offers a myriad of wonderful discussion starters as well as journal writes and critical thinking opportunities. I use Hero in my English classes; however, I believe it could be used effectively in any course related to decision- and choice-making, relating to others in positive ways, and respecting others. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

Rating:
Summary: Realistic
Review: Hero is an excellent book. I would like to see this book used to encourage our "throw-away" children to strive to do and be better no matter the homelife. How can we find more people like Dave who can make a difference? I enjoyed reading and visualizing the layers of hate melt from Sean. In the end I expected that Sean would realize that Dave was his "hero" but I was surprised with Sean being what his assignment was all about. Highly recommend for in-school suspension critique.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning novel!
Review: I have just completed the book, HERO, moments ago. This stunning novel tells the tale of a boy steaming through adolescance and living a hell of a life. Sean isn't willing to listen to anyone, so he stays past curfew. Again. So begins a story of fear, anger, excitement, and drama in which fifteen year old Sean learns the true meaning of a hero.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning novel!
Review: I have just completed the book, HERO, moments ago. This stunning novel tells the tale of a boy steaming through adolescance and living a hell of a life. Sean isn't willing to listen to anyone, so he stays past curfew. Again. So begins a story of fear, anger, excitement, and drama in which fifteen year old Sean learns the true meaning of a hero.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: I think this was a very good book and I would reccomend it to anyone. Very well written

Rating:
Summary: My Review
Review: I thought this book truly expressed the feeling and nature of a young teenage boy. The way his mother treats him, shapes his personality, and makes him have no one to love, since his father sees him every 2-3 years. In effect, he stays with his community service "teacher", and falls attached to a foal named Knicker. I highly recommend that you read this book, it is great!

Rating:
Summary: TOUCHING
Review: i've just finished reading this book and i've got to say that it is one of the best books i've read. it takes you through the life of a teen who leads a troubled life. i guarantee that this book will bring you a lot of smiles.

Rating:
Summary: Pure Genius!
Review: S.L.Rottman is a beautiful person! She clearly shows it with Hero. This book took my breath away! Shawn's challenges make you wish you could reach out your hands and try to help him. Then, the ending is so beautiful it will have you crying. I know that it made me. But that is all I can speak of, read it and find out for yourself. Read this and you will never feel the same!