Standard Hero Behavior [Hardcover]

John David Anderson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Anderson ... construct[s] a satisfying story while poking fun at all genre traditions. Fantasy fans are ensured a good laugh." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

A light tone overlays serious undercurrents in this leisurely but entertaining fantasy.
Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

John David Anderson lives in Noblesville, Indiana, with his wife and young twins. This is his first book.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (November 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618759204
• ISBN-13: 978-0618759200
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,278,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant!, October 10, 2007

By 

Georgetown Learning Center "Erikka Conrad" (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Standard Hero Behavior (Hardcover)

I couldn't put this book down! Witty, humorous non-stop action about a young boy on a quest for finding heroes and his father kept me glued to every page. The satirical undertones of the novel poked fun at the fantasy genre, keeping the book light, while deeper themes of losing father figures, finding one's self and learning the true meaning of heroism gave the book a true poignancy. I recommend this to any fan of the fantasy/science fiction genre, especially young adults!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried... Seriously!, October 14, 2007

By 

F. Costa (IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Standard Hero Behavior (Hardcover)

Light-hearted and moving, irreverent and honest... this book will by my Christmas gift to all the teens and tweens in my family. With an arrow slinging young woman, a kind witch, a warrior poet and his childhood best friend, SHB ranks right up there with the Chronicles of Narnia. It is light enough for kids, yet deep enough for adults to appreciate. The characters are engaging and the story is fast-paced and satisfying. This book has everything.... action, quests and friendship, humor and surprise, dragons and family. Take a good look at true heroes!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SHB stands comfortably alongside the giants of young adult fiction, November 4, 2007

By 

Francis F. Kilkenny "france_8" (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Standard Hero Behavior (Hardcover)

Standard Hero Behavior is a thoroughly enjoyable read for tweens, teens and adults alike. This story deals humorously with the cliche hero types of standard fantasy fiction. In the process it shows that everyone has a hero inside. SHB also deals with the theme of broken families, and does so with a light but honest touch. Overall a very well crafted tale. This is John David Anderson's first book, but SHB stands comfortably alongside the giants of young adult fiction. Here's to John David Anderson for a very promising start to what will surely be a great future!