The Life Heroic: How To Unleash Your Most Amazing Self

by Elizabeth Svoboda, Chris Hajny (Illustrator)

Overview

Heroes are superhuman. Or at least it's easy to assume that when you read ripped-from-the-news stories of derring-do. But in reality, almost anyone who's motivated can be a hero, and the heroes who make the biggest impact aren't always the ones who make headlines. This approachable, research-backed guide will equip kids with the tools they need to become everyday heroes. Along the way, you'll hear from real heroes living out the truth of psychologist Phil Zimbardo's words: "Most heroes are ordinary. It's the act of heroism that's extraordinary."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541578746
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/06/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	11 - 12 Years

About the Author

Elizabeth Svoboda is a science writer who has contributed to The New York Times, Psychology Today, and O: the Oprah Magazine. She lives in San Jose with her husband and young son.
Chris Hajny is a product designer, photographer, illustrator, and creative collaborator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

1 What It Means to Be a Hero 13

2 Find Ways to Help 27

3 Recognize Your Hero's Journey 39

4 Seek Mentors and Role Models 55

5 Overcoming Obstacles Means Standing Out 66

6 Heroes Get Schooled 75

7 Passing the Test 86

8 Transform Pain into Heroic Purpose 102

9 Grow Your Tribe 110

10 Turn Heroic Goals into a Heroic Life 118

Questions for Discussion 128

Sources 132

Editorial Reviews

"A unique look at how to motivate middle grade students to become aware of what they can do to help their community and the world around them. Recommended for libraries with strong middle grade patronage and outreach."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2019

Gr 4–9—Svoboda has interviewed individuals and searched through media to find examples of young people who have stepped up and become heroes. Along with these heartfelt stories, the book includes helpful tips, steps, and messages about how a simple action can make a world of difference to someone else. The narrative has a pattern of stating a particular message or action that can be taken and then giving an example. Some stories highlight well-known figures such as Olympian Dominique Moceanu and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. Svoboda emphasizes that anyone can be a hero, whether doing something as simple as providing soccer balls to underprivileged children or recognizing the need for assistance in a life-and-death situation. There are also cautions against shouldering burdens alone and encouragement to always seek help in a dangerous situation. The layout uses different font sizes to highlight certain points and make it easier for readers to retain information. For example, in the chapter "Seek Mentors and Role Models," many phrases are in a larger font including "these kinds of people impress us profoundly." The headings throughout the chapters also break up the text and could be nice discussion points if reading with an adult. VERDICT A unique look at how to motivate middle grade students to become aware of what they can do to help their community and the world around them. Recommended for libraries with strong middle grade patronage and outreach.—Erin Olsen, Hunter College Elementary School, NY

School Library Journal