Real Heroes - Hardcover

Grade 6-8-- In this timely, poignant story, sixth grader Kevin is torn between two loyalties: his allegiance to his domineering father, policeman Charley Delaney, and his friendship with his teacher, Mr. Logan. When Office Delaney resolves a hostage situation, the public applauds his bravery, but Kevin later discovers that his father was reprimanded for his recklessness. A perceptive and sympathetic listener, Mr. Logan prompts Kevin to try to understand his father's behavior, his estranged mother's attempts to contact Kevin, and her decision to leave. When the community learns that the teacher has tested HIV-positive, many parents, including Kevin's father, believe he should be fired. Kevin feels deceived by his heroes when his father is given desk duty and when, despite administrative and school board support, Mr. Logan resigns rather than fights for his position. Well-paced action, realistic dialogue, and solid characters breathe life into this issue-oriented story. There is a wealth of themes: decision making, parent-child relationships, AIDS awareness, peer pressure, and the need for courage are all embedded in this brief, readable novel. --Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, NC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Mr. Logan, a favorite teacher, is one of the few people willing to leave Kevin alone about his mother's recent ``abandonment'' of her family. Kevin also admires his father, a respected police officer thrust into the spotlight when he performs heroically in the line of duty. The two men face off when word gets out that Logan has tested HIV-positive and resigns. Telling her present-tense story with occasional flashbacks, Kaye sets admirable goals, though clumsiness impedes her progress: the discovery of Logan's HIV status seems contrived; the macho talk and behavior of some of the characters quickly becomes overkill; information on AIDS and HIV is inserted only as a classroom lecture (the book also includes a reading list and hotline information). Still, Kevin is likable, sensitive, and ultimately unable to accept the obvious injustices of Logan's situation; in a credible turnaround, this even helps him quell his dislike for his mother. Kevin's unwillingness to accept stereotypes holds the story together; it should help give readers like him--quiet but steady sorts--the courage to take similar stands. Flawed but of value. (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.