Heroes for My Son

Gr 5-7-What makes a person a hero? Meltzer's book offers 52 uplifting life stories as examples of everyday heroes. Featuring a host of famous and lesser-known people, each mini-biography explores the drive and inner motivation of these true role models. Tales of selfless acts and personal struggles are told in short snippets; each is accompanied by a picture and quote. A theme of resilience emerges when all of the accounts are read together. The book features figures such as Bella Abzug, a social equality activist and U.S. congresswoman; Officer Frank Shankwitz, cofounder of the Make-a-Wish Foundation; and Dan West, founder of Heifer International. The individuals who appear in these pages are remembered for the honorable acts they performed rather than the offices they held or the popularity they gained. Meltzer also includes stories about his mother and grandfather, both of whom had a profound impact on his life. Space is allotted for readers to chronicle their personal heroes. VERDICT A browsable addition to libraries with large budgets.-Jocelyn Charpentier, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, MA