Dare To Dream! by Sandra McLeod Humphrey

–Lori Matthews, Loyola School, New York CityĬopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. Whether this title can inspire children to be courageous is uncertain, but it can introduce them to some very interesting people.

However, information is brief, and major sections of each individual's life are omitted e.g., Abraham Lincoln's entry jumps from his being elected to Congress to becoming President of the United States. This book is good for reluctant readers as each biography can be read independently. Each sketch ends with a quote from the subject. Then the individual's adult life is discussed, as well as how that person's success may be attributed to hard work and courage. In approximately four pages, Humphrey discusses each subject's childhood, education, and family life. Although the group is eclectic, the individuals all have one thing in common: they became successful in the face of adversity and therefore are great candidates to become heroes for today's youth. Grade 5-7–A collection of biographical sketches of famous 20th-century individuals, from Albert Einstein to Sammy Sosa. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. In spite of these frustrations and discouragements, all of these people discovered in themselves the patience, perseverance, and determination to pursue their dreams beyond every obstacle.The message is clear: No matter who you are or where you come from, you too can accomplish extraordinary things, as long as you dare to dream and never, never, never give up! Some overcame physical handicaps, others psychological barriers like extreme shyness or feelings of inferiority some faced racial discrimination or educational disadvantage, others financial burdens. Starting with only their dreams, they worked hard and overcame obstacles to make their dreams come true. In this inspiring collection of biographies―covering historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Helen Keller as well as contemporary figures such as Toni Morrison and Michael Jordan―critically acclaimed writer and psychologist Sandra McLeod Humphrey teaches young people that heroes were once ordinary people whose strength of character helped them to achieve extraordinary things.

Magical heroes like Harry Potter, Spiderman, or Catwoman provide plenty of entertainment for kids, but in real life heroes are made of sterner stuff than celluloid fantasies.

Dare To Dream! by Sandra McLeod Humphrey