It looks like a picture book but the stories of 14 peaceful heroes are told in 3-4 page chapters. In the introduction Winter explains the historical context of heroism and writes that “what is needed in the modern and very dangerous world of guns and bombs, perhaps we need another set of heroes to look up to. We need a set of heroes who do not hurt others. Who are these heroes?”
Some are famous—like Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Corrie ten Boom. Others are more contemporary and most middle school students (and their teachers) have probably not known how these people devoted their lives to peaceful social transformation. Jonah tells the stories of Oscar Romer, William Feehan, Marla Ruzicka, and Abdul Ghaffar Khan. The multicultural nature of the characters is another strength of this book.
The first hero in the book is Jesus. While not a believer himself (this is not stated in the book), he paints a picture of Jesus that is outstanding. It is obvious that he did research on Jesus and his ministry. He quotes Jesus in a series of sentences that begin with, “He said.” He tells about why the ideas of Jesus were so new and different. While acknowledging that not all people accept the Christian Jesus, he ends the biography of Jesus with these words, “This story, true or not, has provided the perfect model for peaceful heroes of our time.” Because the issues and the contexts are more appropriate for students in grades 5-8 I believe that they are also capable of understanding and discussing the fact that not all people believe in Jesus as the Christians do. I would probably not use this book with younger children because of this chapter but I was most interested in how beautifully he conveys the story of Jesus while not being a believer.
Winter wrote about the heroes in this book because he has never valued anything more than world peace. It is his hope that readers will be inspired by a new set of heroes who are committed to helping others through peace and nonviolence.
About the Author:
Jonah Winter is a pioneer—a pioneer picture-book biographer. Winter identifies extraordinary characters and tells their stories in compelling ways. When he wrote his first picture book biography that genre did not even exist. He has also collaborated with his artist mother, Jeanette Winter, on several picture books. He knows that when she agrees to illustrate one of his books she will surprise him with her interpretation—and that the books she illustrates will be treasured forever. He has also illustrated two of his books.
He keeps his current residence a secret but he grew up in Texas. He likes to be called, always, by his full name, even by his family and friends. He is not a fan of the internet. Winter was a part of the throng of people in Dallas who were gathered to welcome President Kennedy. Then the president was shot and life changed for Jonah. The innocence of childhood has somehow been altered.
Pathways Themes: Heroes, Social Issues & Culture
Reviewed by Krystal Bishop, EdD
Professor of Education
Southern Adventist University
