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A Boy at War is a historical novel by Harry Mazer targeted at young adult audiences based on the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor that intitiated the United States' involvement in World War II. The book follows Adam Pelko, the son of a navy commander stationed at Pearl Harbor, during the Japanese attack of 7 December 1941.

Synopsis

In this novel, a young American boy, Adam Pelko moves to Honolulu. When he arrives, he goes to a public school. This is hard for him, since most of the kids don't like military students. He manages to make two friends: Davi Mori, a Japanese-American and Martin Kahahawai, a native Hawaiian. They go fishing in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attack occurs. The family receives a telegram which states that Mr. Pelko has been missing in action since December 7. Adam unsure his father is dead, because he saw the USS Arizona,but thought he got on another ship.His mother warns him to not say anything to his younger sister, Bea. The family is moved from Hawaii and goes back to mainland United States. The book has two sequels: A Boy No More and Heroes Don't Run.

Characters

Adam Pelko is the main character of the book. In this story he gets hit by a bullet.

Davi Mori

Davi is Adam's friend, a Japanese-American boy, and the smart kid in Adam's class. Davi goes fishing with Adam and Martin on the morning of the attack. During the bombings, Adam's feelings for him conflict, and he is torn between calling Davi friend or foe. He often calls Adam "haole". p.s. croch attack!

Martin Kahahawai

Martin is a Hawaiian, and he is wounded with a stick through his heart during the attack. He nearly dies, but he recovers.

Lt. Emory Pelko

Lt. Emory Pelko, (Adam's father), is a Canadian Navy officer. He is very strict and careful about his and his son's actions and forbides him to talk with Davi. He is stationed on the battleship, USS Arizona, which is later bombed by the Japanese in the Pearl Harbor attack.

• Orphaned articles from January 2010
• 2001 novels
• American novels
• Historical novels
• Young adult novels