Our Heroes: How Kids Are Making a Difference (Kids Making a Difference 2014, 3)
#3 in Kids Making A Difference Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Biographies of ten children from around the world who opened up their hearts and minds to the injustices of the world and took action, changing their world for the better. In addition to the ten main profiles, sidebars feature many more children. Included is eleven-year-old Andrew Adansi-Bonnah from Ghana, who raised thousands of dollars for refugee children in Somalia after seeing their desperate situation covered in the news. Another child profiled is twelve-year-old Mimi Ausland from the United States, nicknamed 'Dr. Doolittle' by her family. After learning about the shortage of food for shelter animals, she started a website to collect donations of dog and cat food; her site is now one of the most visited animal-rescue websites in the world. These children never set out to be heroes or to become famous, but they are role-models for us all.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a hero? Can you think of ways you can be a hero in your own life?
Which story in the book inspired you the most, and why?
How do you think the kids in the book felt when they were helping others? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some problems in our community that we could help solve together?
How do you think teamwork played a role in the achievements of the kids in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to the stories in the book, making connections between their actions and the actions of the kids featured.
Listen actively and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts, showing genuine interest in their ideas.
Discuss the different forms of making a difference, emphasizing that even small actions can have a big impact.
Explore further by researching more about the causes or projects mentioned in the book, deepening the context and understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to think about a small project you could start together to help someone else, turning inspiration into action.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book showcases various stories of children worldwide who have taken initiatives to help others, demonstrating acts of kindness and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more attentive to the feelings and needs of their classmates and community members, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Taking Initiative
Explanation: The heroes in the book identify problems in their communities and take proactive steps to solve them, inspiring readers through their resourcefulness and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to become problem-solvers, whether it's organizing a local clean-up or starting a recycling program at school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book's young protagonists take responsibility for making a positive impact, showing accountability for their projects and actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking charge of their duties, be it in their assignments, chores, or in maintaining promises to friends and family.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Many stories in the book involve children engaging in activities that promote environmental health, such as planting trees or saving endangered animals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can prompt children to participate in or initiate environmental activities, fostering a lifelong commitment to a sustainable planet.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: The young heroes face various challenges but continue their efforts despite obstacles, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in the face of difficulties, whether it concerns schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.