The Life Heroic

July 1, 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

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May 1, 2019
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 matter. 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. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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