A Different Kind of Hero

by Ann R. Blakeslee

In 1881 twelve-year-old Renny, who resists his father's efforts to turn him into a rough, tough, brawling boy, earns the disapproval of the entire mining camp when he befriends a newly arrived Chinese boy.

- First prize, UNESCO Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance.- Selector's Choice, Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies--National Council for the Social Studies/Children's Book Council

Genres: Historical Fiction

143 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An admission, when I first started this book I was a little put-off by the first chapter and all most put it down. However, I continued to read and was very much surprised and delighted at the narrative.

The author did a wonderful job of character development. I wished for a better conclusion to the dispute between Miss Steele the teacher and Mrs. Maynard over their differences regarding education. Overall most of the conclusions were appropriate and I enjoyed the final ending.

This book would be a wonderful read for a discussion of ethics, immigration, prejudice, and history. Most appropriate for 3rd through 7th grade I think.

[BC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would rate this 3 stars, but compared to other books I rate 3 stars, this is a little lower. It’s not that I didn’t like it—I did. It’s a 2.5.

I’d have given it 3 I think if it wasn’t for the ending. The boy was still seeking approval and glad his father was proud of him. This is trauma speaking, but it annoyed me…someone with a good, kind heart that doesn’t want to be a bully, and knowing what his father expects. But when his father ends up proud (at least with good reason), the it is so happy. My opinion has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with a life situation I see from a distance…kids seeking approval from dad’s that are trash, frankly. But they worship them anyway. Anywhoo, I digress.

I liked the very clear premise of don’t hate others. Do right, even when it is hard. Be kind. Watch out for others. Have basic humanity. And the change of heart people can have when they get to truly know someone past what they see.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gr 4-6 143 pgs

1881 mining town, Colorado. 12 year old Renny is a constant disappointment to his dad. Always bringing home injured animals and sticking up for people, Renny's dad is convinced Renny is too soft and must be toughened up. When Wong Gum Zi moves to town, Renny ends up befriending him in spite of the disapproval of his family and town. When Wong Gum Zi's pet bird steals a piece of jewelry from one of the mine owners' wives, Renny is determined to find a way to help his friend give the jewelry back safely, but how?

Great story. Bit of a slow start, but it was interesting to see how people changed over the course of the story.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1881 12 yr old Renny befriends a Chinese boy in a mining camp, much to the disappointment of his father.

[Ethan Laughlin]

i thought it was a slow book but it definitely had some cool and interesting parts in the book that hooked me to keep reading on.