A Different Kind of Hero
by Ann R. Blakeslee

Why You will Enjoy A Different Kind of Hero

This historical fiction chapter book is a boy's adventure story telling of courageous friendship. The setting is the Colorado gold mines in 1880. Readers will appreciate the fast-paced action, identify with the choices that Renny has to make, and be fascinated learning about Colorado at the time of the gold rush. I liked this book because the author, in her writing, values tolerance, respect for another's culture, and non violent behavior choices.

Synopsis

Set in a gold-mining town in Colorado during the 1880's, A Different Kind of Hero follows the life of twelve-year-old Renny Sholto, son of the best Irish fighter in the camp. When a Chinese immigrant boy, Zi, comes to the one-room school Renny attends, Renny must choose to conform to the prejudice of the mining camp or become a different kind of hero. A story of courageous friendship and of a journey into manhood.

Description

This is a story about prejudice--prejudice against the Irish miners and even stronger prejudice against the newer arrivals at camp, the Chinese. The story that skillfully explores prejudice without hammering the message. The characters seem real. Renny's dad is tough but author Blakeslee offers an explanation for the toughness. The other miners and their kids are mean-spirited and cruel to Zi; the novel thoughtfully helps us understand their motives. A Different Kind of Hero offers many opportunities to discuss prejudice, the history of gold-mining towns, and the personal characteristics that truly produce a hero. Renny, his dad, the protagonists, and Zi are portrayed as complex characters. No decisions are easily made; each person has to determine choices and some are wrong.

The inside front cover contains eight paragraphs of Colorado history trivia. The last page has an "Up for discussion" section and a list of famous people from Colorado. see side panel