Real Heroes

From Kirkus Reviews Mr. Logan, a favorite teacher, is one of the few people willing to leave Kevin alone about his mothers 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 HIVpositive and resigns. Telling her presenttense story with occasional flashbacks, Kaye sets admirable goals, though clumsiness impedes her progress: the discovery of Logans 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 Logans situation; in a credible turnaround, this even helps him quell his dislike for his mother. Kevins unwillingness to accept stereotypes holds the story together; it should help give readers like himquiet but steady sortsthe courage to take similar stands. Flawed but of value. (Fiction. 812) Copyright 1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Product Description When his father joins other parents in demonstrating against a teacher who is HIVpositive, Kevin is torn between his loyalty to his father whom he has always considered a hero and his admiration for his favorite sixth grade teacher From School Library Journal Grade 68 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 fathers behavior, his estranged mothers attempts to contact Kevin, and her decision to leave. When the community learns that the teacher has tested HIVpositive, many parents, including Kevins 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. Wellpaced action, realistic dialogue, and solid characters breathe life into this issueoriented story. There is a wealth of themes: decision making, parentchild 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, NCCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.