Heroes by Alan Gratz Summary, Characters and Themes

“Heroes” (2024) by Alan Gratz is a gripping middle-grade historical adventure that immerses readers in the intense atmosphere of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. The story follows Frank McCoy, a cautious and fearful boy, and his best friend Stanley Summers, a confident Japanese American, as they navigate the terror and chaos of the bombing. 

Amid the backdrop of war, the boys confront both external dangers and the internal struggles of fear, loyalty, and the harsh realities of racism. Gratz masterfully blends history with personal growth, creating a powerful narrative about courage, friendship, and the complexities of heroism.

Summary

On the eve of December 7, 1941, Frank McCoy and Stanley Summers, best friends despite their differences, are heading home on their motorboat through Pearl Harbor. Frank, a white boy haunted by past trauma, is overly cautious, while Stanley, confident and Japanese American, faces the challenges of racial prejudice. 

Their shared love for comic books strengthens their bond, and they dream of creating their own superhero called the Arsenal of Democracy.

However, as they return home, they encounter two bullies who challenge Stanley. Frank, paralyzed by fear, is unable to help his friend, leading to a rift between them. 

Stanley, frustrated and hurt, doesn’t understand that Frank’s fear stems from a past incident in Florida where he was severely injured by a dog, leaving him with a deep-seated fear of danger.

That evening, the boys’ families gather for dinner on Ford Island, where Frank’s father and Stanley’s father work at the Naval airfield. 

Brooks Leonard, Ginny’s boyfriend and a seaman, invites the boys to join him for a tour of the USS Utah the next day. Excited, the boys agree.

The next morning, as they explore the retired battleship, the unthinkable happens—Japanese planes begin their assault on Pearl Harbor. 

The USS Utah is struck, and chaos ensues. Brooks does his best to protect the boys, but as the ship capsizes, Frank freezes in terror, forcing Brooks to risk his life to save him. Tragically, Brooks doesn’t survive, leaving Frank burdened with guilt.

In the aftermath, Frank confides in Stanley about his overwhelming fear, revealing that he constantly imagines the worst-case scenarios. Instead of rejecting him, Stanley reassures Frank that his ability to anticipate danger could be a valuable strength.

As the attack rages on, the boys find their fathers preparing for defense at the airfield. They are instructed to find Stanley’s mother and seek refuge in an old WWI bunker known as the Dungeon. 

When they reach Mrs. Summers, she is burying her family’s Japanese heirlooms, fearing the violent backlash that Japanese Americans will face after the attack. As they head to the Dungeon, the explosion of the Arizona sends debris crashing onto Frank’s house, leaving them with no choice but to flee.

At the Dungeon, the same bullies block their entrance, hurling racial slurs at Stanley and his mother. 

This time, Frank stands up for his friend, fighting off the bullies until the appearance of a wounded sailor interrupts the scuffle. Inside the bunker, Mrs. Summers tends to the injured while Frank shares the devastating news of Brooks’s death with Ginny, who encourages him to honor Brooks by helping others.

The three friends return to the beach to assist the wounded. They rescue a severely injured submariner named Joseph Kowalczyk and another sailor trapped by burning oil. Frank faces his fears, swimming through the flames to save the sailor. 

Despite the tension, a grateful Patrick defends Stanley from a military police officer’s suspicion, calling both boys heroes.

After the attack, as the US prepares for war and Japanese Americans in Hawaii face internment, Frank’s family relocates to temporary barracks. 

Stanley, coping with the loss and challenges ahead, joins other Japanese Americans in the war effort, building shelters and digging graves. 

Frank, seeking to preserve their friendship and dreams, gives Stanley the script for their comic book, which now features a Japanese American superhero fighting evil. The story concludes with the first issue of their comic, a testament to their resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Characters

Frank McCoy

Frank McCoy is the central protagonist of “Heroes,” and his journey throughout the novel is one of courage, fear, and self-discovery. Frank is a young boy who, despite his white American heritage, struggles with deep-seated fears stemming from a traumatic event in his past—an incident involving a dog attack that left him physically and emotionally scarred.

This experience has led Frank to develop an intense fear of the world around him, manifesting as a near-constant state of anxiety and a tendency to imagine the worst-case scenarios in every situation.

Initially, Frank’s fearfulness sets him apart from his peers, particularly Stanley, who is brave and confident. This difference becomes a source of shame for Frank, especially after he fails to support Stanley during a confrontation with school bullies. However, as the story progresses, Frank’s character undergoes significant growth.

The attack on Pearl Harbor forces him to confront his fears head-on. He witnesses the horrors of war, including the death of Brooks Leonard, which he blames on his own inability to act quickly. Through these harrowing experiences, Frank learns that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it.

His decision to rescue wounded sailors and help others during the chaos of the attack shows his evolution from a boy paralyzed by fear to one who can channel his anxiety into acts of heroism. Frank’s journey culminates in his realization that his cautious nature, often viewed as a flaw, can be seen as a form of “risk assessment,” a superpower in its own right.

Stanley Summers

Stanley Summers, Frank’s best friend, is a key figure in “Heroes,” representing both the resilience of Japanese Americans and the challenges of navigating a racist society during a time of war. Stanley is depicted as confident, brave, and fiercely loyal—qualities that starkly contrast with Frank’s initial timidity.

Despite his courage, Stanley is not immune to the prejudices of the time. As a Japanese American, Stanley faces racism even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but the bombing intensifies these hostilities, making his life and the lives of his family members increasingly difficult.

Stanley’s relationship with Frank is central to the novel. While they share a deep bond over their love of comic books and their plans to create their own superhero, their friendship is tested by the pressures of their environment and the societal racism directed at Stanley. However, Stanley’s strength lies in his ability to persevere through these challenges.

He does not resent Frank for his fears; instead, he recognizes the value in Frank’s cautious approach to danger, seeing it as a complement to his own bravery. After the attack, Stanley’s sense of responsibility to his community is evident as he volunteers to help with the aftermath, further highlighting his selflessness and strength of character.

The novel ends with Stanley taking on the role of illustrator for their comic, which reimagines their superhero as a Japanese American figure, a powerful statement of his identity and resilience.

Brooks Leonard

Brooks Leonard is a minor yet significant character in the novel. As a seaman and Ginny’s boyfriend, Brooks represents the everyday heroism of those who serve in the military. He is portrayed as kind, brave, and protective, particularly towards Frank and Stanley, whom he takes under his wing during the tour of the USS Utah.

Brooks’s death during the Pearl Harbor attack serves as a pivotal moment in the story, profoundly impacting Frank and acting as a catalyst for his character development. Brooks’s death is not just a moment of loss for Frank; it is also a source of deep guilt. Frank believes that his hesitation and fear caused Brooks to die, a burden that he carries with him throughout the rest of the novel.

However, Brooks’s influence on Frank is also positive. His bravery in the face of danger becomes a model for Frank to emulate, and his death drives Frank to take risks and act courageously in the chaos that follows the attack. In this way, Brooks’s character, though not extensively developed, is crucial to the thematic development of the novel, embodying the ideals of courage and sacrifice that Frank strives to live up to.

Ginny McCoy

Ginny McCoy, Frank’s older sister, plays a supportive and nurturing role in the story. She is characterized by her strong sense of responsibility and her caring nature, particularly in the way she looks after both Frank and their mother during the traumatic events of the attack.

Ginny’s relationship with Brooks Leonard adds a layer of emotional depth to her character, as she has to cope with the sudden and tragic loss of her boyfriend. Ginny’s reaction to Brooks’s death is one of quiet strength. Rather than succumbing to grief, she channels her emotions into helping others, encouraging Frank to do the same.

This aspect of her character emphasizes the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, a recurring motif throughout the novel. Ginny’s actions also serve as a moral compass for Frank, guiding him towards the realization that even in the darkest times, there is always something that can be done to help others. Her character, though not as central as Frank’s or Stanley’s, is essential in shaping Frank’s understanding of heroism and responsibility.

Mrs. McCoy and Mrs. Summers

Mrs. McCoy and Mrs. Summers, the mothers of Frank and Stanley, represent the strong, resilient women who anchor their families during times of crisis. Mrs. McCoy is a supportive figure in Frank’s life, though her role is more background compared to the more active role Mrs. Summers plays in the story.

Mrs. McCoy’s quiet strength and her ability to hold the family together after their home is destroyed demonstrate her resilience. Mrs. Summers, on the other hand, is depicted as a woman caught between two worlds—her identity as an American and her Japanese heritage.

Her actions during the attack, particularly her decision to bury her family heirlooms, underscore the deep fear and uncertainty faced by Japanese Americans during this period. Mrs. Summers is acutely aware of the racism that her family will face after the attack, and her fears are realized when she and Stanley are barred from entering the Dungeon by the bullies.

However, her response to these challenges is one of dignity and strength, refusing to let the prejudice of others define her or her family. Mrs. Summers’s character highlights the broader societal issues of racism and the complexities of identity, particularly during a time of war.

The Bullies

The two school bullies in the novel serve as antagonists, representing the prejudice and cruelty that can arise in times of fear and uncertainty. Their initial confrontation with Stanley sets up a dynamic of racial tension that becomes more pronounced after the Pearl Harbor attack.

These characters are not deeply developed but are crucial in illustrating the racism that Stanley and his family face, particularly in the scene where they block Stanley and his mother from entering the Dungeon. The bullies’ actions highlight the theme of racism and the scapegoating of Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Their refusal to let Stanley and his mother seek shelter is a stark example of how quickly fear can turn into hate. However, their confrontation with Frank, who stands up to them for the first time, also serves as a turning point for Frank’s character. This moment demonstrates Frank’s growth and his willingness to confront his own fears and stand up for what is right, even in the face of physical danger.

Patrick and Joseph Kowalczyk

Patrick and Joseph Kowalczyk are minor characters, but their roles are significant in advancing the plot and reinforcing the themes of heroism and solidarity. Patrick, a sailor rescued by Frank from burning oil in the harbor, and Joseph, a severely wounded submariner, represent the countless service members who were caught in the chaos of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Their interactions with Frank and Stanley underscore the bravery and selflessness required to survive such a catastrophic event.

Themes

The Complexity of Heroism in the Face of Personal and National Trauma

“Heroes” explores the multifaceted nature of heroism, especially within the context of personal fears and national crises. Frank McCoy’s journey from a boy paralyzed by fear to someone who takes action during the chaos of the Pearl Harbor attack underscores that heroism is not about the absence of fear but about acting despite it.

The novel delves into how personal trauma, represented by Frank’s past experience with a dog attack, can shape one’s response to larger, more overwhelming events. His transformation is gradual and marked by moments of self-doubt, showing that heroism is not a static trait but a dynamic process influenced by circumstances and internal battles.

The narrative challenges traditional notions of heroism, portraying it as deeply personal and often invisible, contrasting with the grand, public acts typically associated with the concept.

The Intersection of Racism, War, and Identity in the Formation of the American National Consciousness

The novel intricately weaves the themes of racism, war, and identity, examining how these elements intersect and influence the lives of individuals, particularly those of marginalized communities. Stanley Summers, as a Japanese American boy, represents the internal conflict faced by many who found themselves torn between their American identity and their heritage during a time of national crisis.

The attack on Pearl Harbor exacerbates the existing racial tensions, transforming Stanley’s identity into a source of danger. The novel not only highlights the overt racism he faces but also the subtle, systemic biases that permeate American society.

Through Stanley’s experiences, the story critiques the broader implications of how war influences national identity, often at the expense of those who do not fit the dominant narrative. It underscores the irony of a nation fighting for democracy abroad while simultaneously oppressing its own citizens at home.

The Role of Family and Friendship in Navigating Trauma and Crisis

In “Heroes,” family and friendship are portrayed as crucial anchors in the midst of chaos and trauma. The relationship between Frank and Stanley is central to the narrative, evolving from one of mutual interests to a deeper, more profound bond forged in the fires of adversity.

Their friendship, tested by fear, guilt, and external pressures, serves as a microcosm of how individuals rely on close relationships to navigate personal and collective crises. The novel also emphasizes the role of family, particularly through the actions of Frank’s and Stanley’s parents, who provide stability and guidance amidst the destruction of Pearl Harbor.

The contrasting ways in which their families deal with the unfolding crisis—Frank’s family with a focus on survival, Stanley’s with the added burden of racial persecution—further illustrate the different coping mechanisms employed by individuals facing trauma. The story suggests that while war and conflict may destroy homes and lives, the bonds of family and friendship can provide a crucial lifeline, offering emotional resilience and a sense of purpose.

The Psychological Impact of Fear and the Perception of Courage

Fear is a pervasive theme in “Heroes,” intricately linked with the perception of courage. Frank’s character arc is a detailed exploration of how fear can dominate one’s psyche, shaping not only actions but also self-perception.

The novel delves into the psychological aspects of fear, portraying it as both a debilitating force and a potential motivator for growth. Frank’s fear is not just a response to the immediate dangers of the Pearl Harbor attack but a deep-seated condition stemming from his past trauma.

His journey reflects a broader commentary on how individuals process and confront fear, especially in extreme situations. The story challenges the binary perception of courage and cowardice, presenting a more nuanced view where courage is shown as a complex, often contradictory, response to fear.

Frank’s eventual acts of bravery are portrayed not as a sudden transformation but as a series of difficult, incremental decisions that gradually redefine his understanding of courage.

The Impact of Historical Events on Personal Narratives and Identity Formation

“Heroes” provides a powerful commentary on how historical events, particularly those as monumental as the attack on Pearl Harbor, shape personal narratives and influence identity formation. The novel situates the lives of Frank and Stanley within the broader context of a nation on the brink of war, demonstrating how such events can redefine individual identities and relationships.

The attack on Pearl Harbor serves as a catalyst for both boys, forcing them to confront not only external dangers but also their internal struggles. The novel illustrates how history is not just a backdrop but an active force that reshapes lives, often in ways that are unexpected and profound.

For Stanley, the attack marks a turning point where his identity as an American is questioned by others, forcing him to reconcile his dual heritage. For Frank, it is a moment of reckoning that forces him to confront his fears and redefine his sense of self.

The narrative suggests that personal identities are not fixed but are continually reshaped by the forces of history, often in ways that individuals cannot fully control.