A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.—Mark Twain
I remember something that was told to me when I was very young: “You will never be smart if you do not read.” I have always remembered that advice and tried to be as versed on as many different topics as possible.
As parents, we want the very best for our children. I am a mother of four young men and did my best to encourage each of them to start reading at a very young age. As a result, my oldest is a successful salesman for a worldwide shooting simulations company that makes firearm training products and equipment for Hunter Education Programs, law enforcement, and the military. My next son is in veterinary school; the next is in college on his way to medical school; and my youngest son is still in high school but also has the medical field in his sights. I attribute much of their success to reading when they were young.
Today’s parents have a tougher time getting their children to read. They are competing with smart phones, social media, and school districts that have decided to do away with books in favor of take-home laptops. But there is still hope though for this younger generation. All you have to do is find something in book-form that strikes at their curiosity and piques their interest.
NRA Editor Frank Miniter’s newest book, Cool Heroes for Boys: 20 True Tales of Adventure, is just what today’s parents need to spark an interest in reading for young boys—and even some young girls! As the title suggests, the book contains 20 true and exciting adventures that are sure to capture the imagination of the reader, both young and old, male and female. The stories are formatted where they take approximately 15 minutes to read. This is the ideal amount of time for reading between busy schedules or a quick read before bedtime.
Cool Heroes is divided into three parts. What I found really interesting is that each part deals with situations or dilemmas that your child might face in real life. In today’s world, parents need all the help they can get in keeping their children on the right path.
Part I: You Can Be the Hero of Your Story
Part I focuses on stories of courage. The chosen stories show the reader that we all are capable of courage when the need arises. The tales that are relived in this book show how heroes
can come from anyone if they are determined and focused.
The stories in part one includes tales of George Washington, Corporal Alvin York, Thomas Alva Edison, Paul Revere and Theodore Roosevelt. These are all fitting tales for Americans and with great timing as we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. The last tale includes the World War I British hero, T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawerence of Arabia.
Part II: Grow Your Inner Hero
Part II focuses on being your own man, or woman, and always doing the right thing even when it is not the popular choice. The tales relayed in Part II teach that doing the right thing is not always easy but necessary to maintain one’s dignity. Today’s kids are tested every day and have to decide for themselves which path to take. These tales are very relatable to modern children.
The tales in this part of the book are from a wide range of characters spanning 2,000 years. These tales include stories from Marcus Tullius Cicero (44 B.C.); Davy Crockett (early 1800s); William Wilberforce (late 1700s); Perce Blackborow (early 1900s); Samuel Hamilton Walker (mid 1800s); Orson Wells (early 1900s); and Asano Naganori (early 1700s). These tales include men from ancient Rome, early Americans, and ancient Japanese warriors.
Part III: Take Your Inner Hero on Adventures
Part III focuses on how you can overcome pressure, especially when others are counting on you. This part lets kids know that your decisions have consequences. These consequences can affect relationships, friendships and the lives of others.
The tales in this part include Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Jesse Owens, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Shawnee War Chief Tecumseh, Alan Turing, Thor Heyerdahl, and Chief Petty Officer Edward Beyers. These tales relate stories of inner strength. Even when the lives of others are in your hands and the outcome depends upon your decisions, we are all capable of making the right choice.
The stories in Cool Heroes for Boys can help your child make tough decisions in real life scenarios that they may face in school or with their peers. These stories teach your child it is more important to make a moral decision than it is to take a popular position, even if you must choose a different path than your friends. The best part is this book can quickly spark an interest in reading.
Miniter set out to write a book that would hold a child’s interest and desire to read more. He accomplished this goal. This is a great book for kids who love adventure and have a great imagination. Whether reading on their own or having a parent bond with their child through reading, this book is great!
Cool Heroes is very well written and can help parents get their children reading. I give this book high marks. The dividends could mean a big payoff in the future of the lives of your children.
In the words of Strickland Gillian, “You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be. I had a mother who read to me.”
—Heidi Lyn Rao
