The Children's Book of Heroes

by Bennett, William J.; Hague, Michael

• ISBN13: 9780684834450
• ISBN10: 0684834456
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-10-06
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary

William Bennett and Michael Hague, the team that brought us the national bestsellerThe Children's Book of Virtues,have once again collaborated to createThe Children's Book of Heroes,a beautifully illustrated celebration of heroic deeds, both real and fictional, that will delight and inspire millions of young children and their parents."We all need a hero or two to help us stand fast and think right," says William J. Bennett, author ofThe Book of Virtues,the #1 bestseller that millions of American families turn to for moral inspiration. With excerpts chosen for young children, this new treasury presents splendid tales of the valor and indomitable spirit that are a lasting testament to our cherished values.Jackie Robinson stands fast on the playing field -- and his strength of character inspires a nation. David slays Goliath -- and his faith and bravery give hope to underdogs everywhere. A little boy goes in search of an angel -- and finds one who guards him day and night: his own mother. From Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa to warriors on the battlefield, real moms and dads, and even young girls and boys, here are worthy and heroic figures all kids can look up to and emulate.The Children's Book of Heroesis a celebration of the endurance, sacrifice, courage, and compassion that characterize truly heroic deeds.

Author Biography

William J. Bennett served as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Bush, and as Secretary of Education and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities under President Reagan. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Williams College, a doctorate in political philosophy from the University of Texas, and a law degree froth Harvard. Dr. Bennett is currently a co-director of Empower America and the John M. Olin Distinguished Fellow in Cultural Policy Studies at the Heritage Foundation. He, his wife, Elayne, and their two sons, John and Joseph, live in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Introduction

Heroes
Opportunity
About Angels
A Prayer at Valley Forge
Only a Dad
The Sphinx
Jackie Robinson
Sail On! Sail On!
David and Goliath
Our Heroes
Honest Abe
How the Animals Got Sunlight
The Star Jewels
Mother Teresa
The Knights of the Silver Shield
The Minotaur
Helen Keller's Teacher
Father Flanagan
The Hero of Indian Cliff
Tashira's Turn
When Mother Reads Aloud

Excerpts

Chapter 1

Heroes

William Canton

Our favorite heroes live forever in their stories and in our memories, cheering us forward in our own brave fights.

For you who love heroic things

In summer dream or winter tale,

I tell of warriors, siants, and kings,

In scarlet, sackcloth, glittering mail,

And helmets peaked with iron wings.

They beat down Wrong; they strove for Right.

In ringing fields, on grappled ships,

Singing, they flung into the fight.

They fell with triumph on their lips,

And in their eyes a glorious light.

That light still gleams. From far away

Their brave song greets us like a cheer.

We fight the same great fight as they,

Right againgst Wrong; we, now and here;

They, in their fashion, yesterday.

Text copyright © 1997 by William J. Bennett

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Excerpted from The Children's Book of Heroes
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.