No Dragons Needed!
From Patch Adams to Benjamin Zephaniah, meet the men who have (or are) making contributions in all walks of life. Some are trailblazers in a particular subject or social issue; some have overcome emotional or physical challenges; and yet others who used their curiosity, natural skills, or passion for others to change the way we think or go about our day.
Parent Perspective:
These one-page biographies take readers all over the world and into all kinds of life experiences. Some of the males are more widely known like Leonel Messi, Daniel Radcliffe, and Jeffree. Some are men whose names are recognized but kids likely don't know a lot about, like Beethoven or Harvey Milk. Yet others are probable unknowns like Baldwin IV and Christian McPhilamy, who became passionate about helping kids with cancer by growing his hair. I learned a TON reading these snapshots.
The Table of Contents is extensive, so kids can pick and choose who they want to learn about, or they can use the full-page illustration to catch their eye. Love that you can start reading on whatever page interests you.
Kids who like short stories will flip over these 1-page biographies. Comics-like illustrations will pull readers in to read stories of men/boys they have never heard of. Expect your reader to pick this book up often.
Overall, no cons for this one. There are a few changes I would have made. Take out Messi and put in Arthur Ashe. There are no authors, and several come to mind: Sherman Alexie, John Scieszka, Kadir Nelson, Jerry Pinkney, come to mind.
This anthology has 76 mini-biographies for middle grade/junior high school readers.
So much you can do with this book. Whether you want to explore dynastic history (Confucius, Baldwin IV), social justice leaders (Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Joseph), scientists, athletes, artists of all stripes - there are at least two biographies for you to enjoy. Use these stories as a way to introduce a "character," then visit the library to find other books that can expand your child's knowledge even more.
unknown
11 and Up
10 and Up
Borrow, at least. If you have a reluctant reader and/or someone who likes to learn a little about a lot of things, this is the book for them.
Title | Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different: True Tales of Amazing Boys Who Changed the World without Killing Dragons |
Author | Ben Brooks |
Publisher | Running Press © 2018 |
Illustrators | Quinton Winter |
ISBN | 9780762465927 |
Material | Hard Cover |
Cost | $16.99 |
Genres | Biography, Short Stories, Anthology, Self Worth |