This year's One Book, One Chicago selection asks us to look at the creation of the American superhero. But what really defines a hero? Is it someone who has a magical power? These real-life role models for kids made do with courage and ingenuity.
Malala Yousafazi does not have super strength or X-ray vision, but what she does have is courage. At age 10, when the Taliban took over her region of Pakistan, they thought girls shouldn't be allowed to attend school. I Am Malala tells the story of how she disagreed despite danger to her life, and how she inspired her community through peaceful protest.
Sometimes a hero must challenge laws that don't feel right. Since Sylvia Mendez's parents were American and she spoke and wrote English, she didn't see why she should attend a Mexican school farther from where her family lived in Orange County. The Mendez family challenged this rule in Mendez v. Westminster, and as a result paved the way for school desegregation everywhere. Read all about it in Separate Is Never Equal.
A hero may not even have to be someone who was a part of history or current news. Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change highlights several kids who took brave actions guided by their hearts and minds. From inventing a new way to scoop dog poop to fundraising to build wells in Africa, the kids in these true stories will inspire you to ask what you can do for your community.
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