Harry Mazer's A Boy at War is praised for its engaging portrayal of a young boy's experiences during the Pearl Harbor attack. The writing is noted for being accessible to young readers, capturing historical events vividly. Some critics felt character development was limited and the plot predictable. Overall, it serves as a compelling introductory historical fiction for middle-grade audiences.

A reader who enjoys young adult historical fiction, especially stories set during wartime, would appreciate A Boy at War by Harry Mazer. Fans of books like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, which also cover impactful historical events through a young person's perspective, would find this novel compelling.

In Harry Mazer's A Boy at War, Adam Pelko, a 14-year-old son of a naval officer, experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor while fishing with his friends on the morning of December 7, 1941. As he navigates the chaos, Adam witnesses the horrors of war, struggles to find safety, and searches for his father, Lieutenant Emory Pelko, stationed on the USS Arizona. The story depicts the violence of the attack and the racial prejudices faced by Japanese Americans.

Suspenseful / Emotional / Adventurous / Challenging / Melancholic

**Adam Pelko**  
A 14-year-old boy who moves to Oahu with his military family, Adam is learning to navigate civilian school life and the complexities of friendships while being influenced by his father's strict military values.

**Davi Mori**  
Adam's first friend in Oahu, Davi is a classmate born on the island who identifies as American, despite his Japanese heritage, and helps Adam understand important social issues.

**Emory Pelko**  
Adam's father, a navy lieutenant whose career heavily influences the family’s life, maintains a strict code of conduct and high expectations for Adam.

**Marilyn Pelko**  
Adam's mother, a navy wife who adapts to the challenges of military life, becomes a source of strength and inspiration for Adam during a challenging time.

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