Heroes and Heroines

As J gets older, she loves to find out more and more about real people and the things that they have done. I think it is due, in part, to the fact that as kids get older, they truly become more aware about the world around them and learning about people who have made a difference can help shape who they become. So when I was offered the chance to take a look at two new books from National Geographic Kids about Heroes and Heroines, I jumped at the chance. Not surprisingly, National Geographic Kids didn’t fail.

Each book has an introduction that have seven stupendous qualities that a hero or heroine possesses. Things like courage, compassion, selflessness, and never quitting. Besides all of their heroic qualities, they also all “started out just like you.” The intro also has a side-bar mentioning that a) heroes shouldn’t be swept under the rug in the heroine book and vice versa, so they do get mentioned from time to time and b) heroism isn’t always planned so watch for a special symbol highlighting moments of bravery.

In The Book of Heroines it’s all about Girl Power! Looking for a leading lady? How about more than 100 of them? From Michelle Obama, Jane Goodall and Wonder Woman to Susan B. Anthony, Gloria Steinem and Katie Ledecky, The Book of Heroines not only highlights how girls are just as tough as boys, but also challenges the reader to be a heroine herself and provides tips on how to unleash her inner heroine. The book is sectioned into chapters on world leaders, sports heroines, women in the workforce, legendary women from Greek mythology to modern television, women who have braved dangerous missions, peace heroines, ladies in lab coats, and even a chapter on brave animals.

Similarly, The Book of Heroes highlights 100 guys who had the boldness, bravery and brains to meet the challenges of their day. Men like Abraham Lincoln, Mark Zuckerberg, Stephen Hawking and Steve Irwin and well loved characters like Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker will allow boys to find more than just a few role models in the pages of this book and also perhaps inspire them that they, too, are capable of extraordinary things. As with the heroines book, this one is sectioned into chapters on world leaders, legendary men from myths, comics, and screen, sports heroes, workplace heroes, peace heroes, action heroes, inspiring minds, and animals.

As with all National Geographic books, the photos are outstanding and the information is presented in an incredibly accessible manner. J really loved that her own personal heroine, Emma Watson, was included. I feel like I could look at these books for hours and learn something new every time. The Book of Heroes and The Book of Heroines are a great addition to any bookshelf to inspire the next generation.