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About The Book

From award-winning author Todd Strasser comes a gripping new novel that explores the struggles of war, the price paid by those who fight in them, and what it really means to be a hero.

Jake Liddell is a hero.

At least, that’s what everyone says he is. The military is even awarding him a Silver Star for his heroic achievements—a huge honor for the son of a military family. Now he’s home, recovering from an injury, but it seems the war has followed him back. He needs pills to get any sleep, a young woman is trying to persuade him into speaking out against military recruitment tactics, and his grandfather is already urging him back onto the battlefield. He doesn’t know what to do; nothing makes sense anymore.

There is only one thing that Jake knows for certain: he is no hero.

About The Author

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Todd Strasser has written many critically acclaimed novels for adults, teenagers, and children, including the award-winning Can’t Get There from HereGive a Boy a GunBoot CampIf I Grow UpFamous, and How I Created My Perfect Prom Date, which became the Fox feature film Drive Me Crazy. Todd lives in a suburb of New York and speaks frequently at schools. Visit him at ToddStrasser.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (July 17, 2018)
  • Length: 192 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481497114
  • Ages: 14 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

The range of issues explored... offers awareness. This title could generate a great deal of discussion as a class-wide read and is highly recommended for reluctant readers.

– VOYA, April 1, 2018

[A] powerful novel... that is especially timely... The discussion this thought-provoking book will surely engender is both welcome and imperative.

– Booklist, *starred review*, April 1, 2018

Taut, compact, and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.

– Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2018

Awards and Honors

  • Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Master List
  • Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List
  • Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee
  • NYPL Best Books for Teens
  • TAYSHAS Reading List (TX)
  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title

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More books from this author: Todd Strasser