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."""

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9781541578609

Table of Contents

Reviews

Everyone should read and begin to emulate some of the truths in Elizabeth Svoboda's masterpiece. --Philip G. Zimbardo, Psychologist and Founder of The Heroic Imagination Project --Other Print Elizabeth Svoboda's The Life Heroic is the most masterful treatment of heroism available today. This book is a must-read for both children and adults--it is a true tour-de-force. --Scott T. Allison, Psychologist and Author of Heroic Leadership --Other Print The Life Heroic is a step-by-step guide to helping you develop into your most courageous self. What are you waiting for? Become an everyday hero! --Michelle Werning, Heroism Educator --Other Print

Elizabeth Svoboda's The Life Heroic is the most masterful treatment of heroism available today. This book is a must-read for both children and adults--it is a true tour-de-force. --Scott T. Allison, Psychologist and Author of Heroic Leadership --Other Print 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. --School Library Journal --Journal Svoboda's inspirational offering begins with the story of a high school senior who bravely took the wheel of a school bus after the bus driver had a heart attack while driving. The author then asks her young readers to imagine what they would have done in that situation. In an easy-to-read narrative, readers learn the myths of heroism and how it is truly the everyday acts of heroism that don't make the news that matters. This book is for those that aspire to help the world, and it acts as a guide, providing chapters such as 'Recognize Your Hero's Journey, ' which presents a condensed version of Joseph Campbell's take on a hero's evolution. Further chapters stress the importance of role models, giving examples of those that have already answered the call, like Phillip Zimbardo, who started the Heroic Imagination Project, which teaches young people to actively and confidently 'do the right thing' when others are in need. The most inspiring chapter, 'Transform Pain into Heroic Purpose, ' coaches young people facing difficulty to transform their struggles into purpose by sharing their experiences in ways that can help others who are going through similar challenges. Though there's little new in this middle-grade self-help book, this strategic, confidence-building read is just enough to energize a young person who still feels hope to change the world one day at a time. --Kirkus Reviews --Journal The Life Heroic is a step-by-step guide to helping you develop into your most courageous self. What are you waiting for? Become an everyday hero! --Michelle Werning, Heroism Educator --Other Print Everyone should read and begin to emulate some of the truths in Elizabeth Svoboda's masterpiece. --Philip G. Zimbardo, Psychologist and Founder of The Heroic Imagination Project --Other Print

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. --School Library Journal --Journal Svoboda's inspirational offering begins with the story of a high school senior who bravely took the wheel of a school bus after the bus driver had a heart attack while driving. The author then asks her young readers to imagine what they would have done in that situation. In an easy-to-read narrative, readers learn the myths of heroism and how it is truly the everyday acts of heroism that don't make the news that matters. This book is for those that aspire to help the world, and it acts as a guide, providing chapters such as 'Recognize Your Hero's Journey, ' which presents a condensed version of Joseph Campbell's take on a hero's evolution. Further chapters stress the importance of role models, giving examples of those that have already answered the call, like Phillip Zimbardo, who started the Heroic Imagination Project, which teaches young people to actively and confidently 'do the right thing' when others are in need. The most inspiring chapter, 'Transform Pain into Heroic Purpose, ' coaches young people facing difficulty to transform their struggles into purpose by sharing their experiences in ways that can help others who are going through similar challenges. Though there's little new in this middle-grade self-help book, this strategic, confidence-building read is just enough to energize a young person who still feels hope to change the world one day at a time. --Kirkus Reviews --Journal Everyone should read and begin to emulate some of the truths in Elizabeth Svoboda's masterpiece. --Philip G. Zimbardo, Psychologist and Founder of The Heroic Imagination Project --Other Print Elizabeth Svoboda's The Life Heroic is the most masterful treatment of heroism available today. This book is a must-read for both children and adults--it is a true tour-de-force. --Scott T. Allison, Psychologist and Author of Heroic Leadership --Other Print The Life Heroic is a step-by-step guide to helping you develop into your most courageous self. What are you waiting for? Become an everyday hero! --Michelle Werning, Heroism Educator --Other Print

Author Information

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.

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