In their introduction, Denenberg and Roscoe challenge readers to name fifty people whom they view as heroes. The one requirement all fifty must meet is that "all must have made an exceptional positive contribution to our world." Denenberg and Roscoe's own list consists of doctors, inventors, teachers, conservationists, and politicians, among others. Many of their subjects are well known, but some might not be as familiar to young readers. Each hero is introduced in a double-page spread that includes information on the person's most famous accomplishments, a "Power Word" quote, the title of a book for further reading, and photographs. The authors also include website addresses and snail mail addresses of organizations that readers can contact for further information. 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet is not intended to be a biography; rather it is intended to be used as a springboard that leads children to learn more about the book's subjects. It also encourages young readers to turn away from idolizing only athletes and pop-stars and learn more about people who have really made a difference in the world. Denenberg and Roscoe present a racially and ethnically diverse group of heroes. Some of the heroes they discuss are George Washington, Ben Franklin, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tecumseh, labor activist Dolores Huerta, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. The authors encourage readers to find a way to make a difference in their community, offering suggestions as to how they can do this. Overall, this is an exceptional reference work.
-AnnMarie Hamar
(reprinted from www.heroes4us.com/reviews.html)

Ordering

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