Hero

December 22, 2014
Eleven-year-old Leo Biggs is an inveterate daydreamer, forever imagining himself in fierce battles with Roman gladiators, presided over by the god Jupiter (“like a tower block in a toga, he loomed in the sky at the end of Clarendon Road”). One day, while Leo is trying to ingratiate himself with a group of popular classmates, a dog belonging to Leo’s neighbor’s daughter gets injured. Leo decides to cover up what happened, claiming that he rescued the dog, Jack Pepper, from drowning in a pond. Leo initially enjoys the attention that this invented good deed brings him, but the guilt of feeling like a “fake hero” and a disastrous incident involving a meteor help him step up to the plate and save Jack Pepper for real. While the meteor strike and what it reveals are an unlikely vehicle for Leo’s growth, Lean (A Dog Called Homeless) has crafted a touching portrait of a good-hearted, loyal, and boundlessly imaginative boy who makes some realistic missteps in his efforts to succeed in the “real world.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Julia Churchill, A.M. Heath.

December 1, 2014
Young Leo learns that being a hero isn't about the accolades.Leo's English town is built on Roman ruins, and Roman history influences his imagination. Where in real life Leo feels insignificant, in his dreams he's a heroic gladiator winning the approval of Jupiter. So when Warren, a schoolyard god of sorts, invites Leo to join him and his friends, Leo jumps at the chance. First he must prove his bravery and loyalty. The trials end badly, shaming Leo, especially when stalwart pup Jack Pepper gets hurt in the process. Leo's guilt is compounded after he spins events so it sounds as though he rescued Jack-a story almost everyone in town believes. Tightly structured and plotted, the novel's every element and development move the story forward. Leo narrates, allowing readers to fully experience his growing unease with his deception and alienation from family and friends. Leo seems to be digging himself into a hole when a meteor hits, opening a huge sinkhole in the middle of town that swallows Jack Pepper. In the process of recovering and restoring Jack to his neighbor and role model, Grizzly Allen, Leo learns heaps about honesty, friendship, dreams and real greatness. A compelling, thought-provoking story about the fights and brave acts-big and small, acclaimed and unattributed-that define us. (Fiction. 9-12)

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November 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-Leo Biggs longs to be noticed. At home he feels overshadowed by his two sisters, at school by his clever friend George. So he retreats into his imagination, where crowds cheer his victories as a gladiator. Then Leo meets Jack Pepper, an adorable dog who brings joy to everyone he meets. When Leo gets out of an unsavory situation by claiming he was rescuing Jack Pepper, he suddenly finds himself the center of attention, the hero of his imagination made real. But Leo discovers being a made-up hero is hard on the conscience. Can Jack Pepper help Leo one more time? Does Leo have what it takes to be a genuine hero? Leo and Jack Pepper are likable characters in this gentle story. Leo's increasing anguish at living with his lies is well portrayed, but the ending somewhat undermines this lesson. The leisurely pace and heavy use of symbolism may challenge younger readers.-Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor School District, Lancaster, PA

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