The Winter Hero, James Lincoln Collier
The Winter Hero, James Lincoln Collier
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

The Winter Hero

Author: James Lincoln Collier, Christopher Collier

Narrator: Charlie Thurston

Unabridged: 4 hr 24 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/01/2013


Synopsis

Justin Conkey was too young to fight in the Revolution of 1776, but now it is 1787 and he is fourteen. Justin is ready to fight, even if he has only his father's old sword to protect him. But once on the battlefield, war is not what he expected. It is dangerous and frightening and nothing makes sense. Throughout a particularly bitter winter the young man is desperate to prove that he too can be a hero—not realizing that many times heroes turn out to be just ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events, who do what comes naturally to save others regardless of risk to themselves. Insisting on joining General Daniel Shays' group of Regulators, he lies about his age and marches with the group throughout New England. But war puts friendships and political convictions to the test.

About James Lincoln Collier

James Lincoln Collier has written many books for children, including Give Dad My Best and Planet out of the Past. He has also contributed more than five hundred articles to the New York Times Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Boy’s Life. His honors include the Kidger Prize for Teaching, the Jane Addams Peace Prize, and the Newbery Honor.

About Christopher Collier

Christopher Collier is an author and historian. He attended Clark University and Columbia University, where he earned his PhD. He was the official Connecticut State Historian from 1984 to 2004 and is now professor of history emeritus at the University of Connecticut. He is the brother of James Lincoln Collier, with whom he has written a number of novels, most of which are based on historic events. His books have been nominated for several awards, including the Newbery Honor and the Pulitzer Prize.

About Charlie Thurston

Charlie Thurston is an experienced audiobook narrator, actor, and playwright who has received numerous Earphones Awards for his work. He has appeared on Law and Order: SVU, and his voice can be heard in audiobooks such as The Oracle Year, Southernmost, The Terranauts, and The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Mary on October 16, 2015

I love James Lincoln Collier's young adult historical fiction. He really makes history come to life and shows how it never was just black and white, you're right and I'm wrong. He makes you think about how history applies to your life and this one applies today. To quote the main character: "And one......more

Goodreads review by Nick on December 07, 2011

wow talk about a ending that was CRAZY !!!!!!!!!!!!......more

Goodreads review by Stacy on March 10, 2022

Pretty good book about Shay's rebellion. There aren't a lot of books on this subject, and like most of Collier's books, it tries to stay as true to history as possible. The story is told from the point of view of a young boy and features a pretty outspoken woman for the time period. There is quite a......more

Goodreads review by Suzanne on November 01, 2021

Another entry in my attempts to add Young Adult novels to my repertoire because i work in a Junior High. I do like to be able to recommend books to the students I work with. I would recommend this book to adults, simply because it deals with a little known chapter in American History, Shay's Rebelli......more

Goodreads review by Melinda on November 20, 2019

The last twenty pages are the best. A little slow to begin, but got more interesting later in the book. The book deals with Justin's desire to fight and wanting to be a hero, but conflicted because he thinks he's a coward. He asks, "Did it count if you didn't mean to do something heroic, but just di......more


Quotes

“In Massachusetts in 1786, fourteen-year-old Justin longs to be a hero like his brother-in-law, Peter, who recently returned from fighting in the Revolution. Narrator Charlie Thurston’s delivery is methodical and precise, with distinct voices for each character…Thurston’s portrayal of Justin’s fears and conviction is spot-on…The listening experience is an enjoyable way to learn about this important historical event.” AudioFile