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50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet
Presents alphabetically arranged biographies highlighting the accomplishments of fifty Americans, from Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass to John Glenn and Yo-Yo Ma.
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
6 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Denenberg
7 books16 followersDr. Dennis Denenberg loves writing about REAL heroes! They are people who have made our world a better place, and young people need to know who they are and what they did and still do. Dolly Parton, known for her singing, is also a great humanitarian…but do kids know that fact? You will meet 60 such people…some you will praise, some you will question. But all will make you think about REAL heroes, and not just the fantasy ones that too often drown our kids.
Dr. Denenberg spent 30 years in education: history teacher, elementary school principal and finally a University professor. He then traveled the country for 15 years as a beloved speaker, convincing teachers and parents how to make heroes a part of their classrooms and homes.
Dr. Denenberg spent 30 years in education: history teacher, elementary school principal and finally a University professor. He then traveled the country for 15 years as a beloved speaker, convincing teachers and parents how to make heroes a part of their classrooms and homes.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2022
Not only every kid should meet these heroes, but every American. From Jane Addams to Louis Zamperini, this book provides short, two-page biographies on 50 of the great heroes of our nation. There are politicians--George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Teddy & Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Barack Obama & Harry Truman plus more. There are activists for social reform & human rights--Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Elie Wiesel. There are inventors & those in the medical field searching for cures--Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, Jonas Salk, Clara Barton, Elizabeth Blackwell. There are explorers, athletes, artists & creators, discoverers, conservationists, speakers, & so many more. With each biography there is a phrase or quote known as Power Words that the subject has spoken to inspire others, a Dive In reading recommendation for further information, & suggestions for exploring these lives further & getting involved in community projects or service that highlight their causes & accomplishments. And constant encouragement to learn, research, question, & become your own American hero. This is a really good book for kids, but the information is great for anyone wanting to become a better citizen & an active part of your community.
June 14, 2017
These 50 Americans did great things in their lives! Every kid should know these individuals and this book does an excellent job of introducing them!
December 4, 2021
Always love history stories
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November 16, 2016Denenberg, D., & Roscoe, L. (2001). 50 american heroes every kid should meet. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publishing.
Citation by: Kristin White
Type of Reference: Biographical Reference
Call Number: Ref 920.073 Dene 2001
Content/Scope: 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet details the stories 0f 50 inspiring Americans and has been updated in 2016 by the original authors. This text features stories from a very diverse group of famous figures like Martha Graham, Yo-Yo Ma, Cal Ripkin, Jr., and Harriet Tubman to name a few. This text will attract readers because of the wide span of subjects it includes in its biographical choices. Moreover, black and white pictures accompany each spread. This is a fun, informative way for young readers (especially grades 3-6) to begin engaging in biographical reading.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Though the publisher (Lerner Publishing Group) and the authors may not be as widely known as others, this work has been in circulation in schools and libraries for some years. The accuracy of the information has received wonderful reviews.
Arrangement/Presentation: The entries in this text are alphabetically arranged, double-page features of each biographical subject. Each entry includes a black and white photo of the famous figure as well. At the end of all the biographies is a "Hero Hunt," which encourages readers to find their own unique hero by starting with this list of questions to research. The end of the book also gives additional information about related books, museums, etc.
Relation to other works: 50 American Heroes That Every Kid Should Meet is one of the unique biographical compilation options for children in the elementary grades that is not an Alphabet Book by subject/topic. This would be a great resource to use when brainstorming with students as to who to write their biography or feature article about.
Accessibility/Diversity: The list of famous figures detailed in this text reach across a variety of disciplines, areas of interests, as well as including diverse biographies by gender, race, and ethnicity. This is sure to engage a diverse group of students.
Cost: $29.90
Professional Review: Astengo, B., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2002). 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (Book). School Library Journal, 48(1), 152.
Citation by: Kristin White
Type of Reference: Biographical Reference
Call Number: Ref 920.073 Dene 2001
Content/Scope: 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet details the stories 0f 50 inspiring Americans and has been updated in 2016 by the original authors. This text features stories from a very diverse group of famous figures like Martha Graham, Yo-Yo Ma, Cal Ripkin, Jr., and Harriet Tubman to name a few. This text will attract readers because of the wide span of subjects it includes in its biographical choices. Moreover, black and white pictures accompany each spread. This is a fun, informative way for young readers (especially grades 3-6) to begin engaging in biographical reading.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Though the publisher (Lerner Publishing Group) and the authors may not be as widely known as others, this work has been in circulation in schools and libraries for some years. The accuracy of the information has received wonderful reviews.
Arrangement/Presentation: The entries in this text are alphabetically arranged, double-page features of each biographical subject. Each entry includes a black and white photo of the famous figure as well. At the end of all the biographies is a "Hero Hunt," which encourages readers to find their own unique hero by starting with this list of questions to research. The end of the book also gives additional information about related books, museums, etc.
Relation to other works: 50 American Heroes That Every Kid Should Meet is one of the unique biographical compilation options for children in the elementary grades that is not an Alphabet Book by subject/topic. This would be a great resource to use when brainstorming with students as to who to write their biography or feature article about.
Accessibility/Diversity: The list of famous figures detailed in this text reach across a variety of disciplines, areas of interests, as well as including diverse biographies by gender, race, and ethnicity. This is sure to engage a diverse group of students.
Cost: $29.90
Professional Review: Astengo, B., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2002). 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (Book). School Library Journal, 48(1), 152.
February 20, 2017
I really like this and the possibilities for use both as browsing material and in the Elementary and middle school classroom (even into high school). A revised edition, it is only slightly outdated because 2016 saw the death of a few of the people mentioned here. Quotes, explore more, challenges, photographs.
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April 24, 2016Denenberg, D. (2006). 50 American heroes every kid should meet. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press.
Citation: Alissa Trammel
Type of Reference: Biography
Call Number: Ref 920
Content/Scope: This book of biographies gives information about several men and women from history and their impact on American society.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The author, Dr. Dennis Denenberg, has also worked in the education field in many capacities, from teacher to assistant superintendent and even professor, as well as served as keynote speaker for several educational conferences.
Arrangement/Presentation: This book of biographies is arranged alphabetically with the leading information being the hero’s quality, followed by a short autobiography, and lastly a brief biography of the individual. There are also websites listed for students/readers to use to find more information about each person in the book.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book contains information about people of all races and ethnicities that can be used by anyone aged 8 years or older.
Relation: This book is a compilation of biographies, which makes it only one of two books of its kind in this library. This book of biographies gives more information about each person as well as websites for more information.
Cost: $14.95
Professional Review:
Astengo, B. (2002). 50 American heroes every kid should meet. School Library Journal, 48(1), 152.
Citation: Alissa Trammel
Type of Reference: Biography
Call Number: Ref 920
Content/Scope: This book of biographies gives information about several men and women from history and their impact on American society.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The author, Dr. Dennis Denenberg, has also worked in the education field in many capacities, from teacher to assistant superintendent and even professor, as well as served as keynote speaker for several educational conferences.
Arrangement/Presentation: This book of biographies is arranged alphabetically with the leading information being the hero’s quality, followed by a short autobiography, and lastly a brief biography of the individual. There are also websites listed for students/readers to use to find more information about each person in the book.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book contains information about people of all races and ethnicities that can be used by anyone aged 8 years or older.
Relation: This book is a compilation of biographies, which makes it only one of two books of its kind in this library. This book of biographies gives more information about each person as well as websites for more information.
Cost: $14.95
Professional Review:
Astengo, B. (2002). 50 American heroes every kid should meet. School Library Journal, 48(1), 152.
August 22, 2016
Full Review
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet by Dennis Denenberg & Lorrain Roscoe is absolutely amazing. I loved every part of this book. It covers a wide variety of American heroes. There are civil war heroes, turn of the century heroes, modern heroes and heroes from when this country was created. There are heroes that are well-known and no so well-known to those i've never hear of. The pictures of great and the fact are spot on. The facts that are given are interesting and relevant to kids and adults.
I would love to use this book in the classroom to teach my students about American heroes both present and past. Also, to teach them that ordinary citizen like you and me can do great things and make a big difference. One aspect I really appreciate as an educator are the activities for further learning.
I received this advanced readers copy from Lerner Publishing Group and Hillbrook Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet by Dennis Denenberg & Lorrain Roscoe is absolutely amazing. I loved every part of this book. It covers a wide variety of American heroes. There are civil war heroes, turn of the century heroes, modern heroes and heroes from when this country was created. There are heroes that are well-known and no so well-known to those i've never hear of. The pictures of great and the fact are spot on. The facts that are given are interesting and relevant to kids and adults.
I would love to use this book in the classroom to teach my students about American heroes both present and past. Also, to teach them that ordinary citizen like you and me can do great things and make a big difference. One aspect I really appreciate as an educator are the activities for further learning.
I received this advanced readers copy from Lerner Publishing Group and Hillbrook Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
Heroes. Every kid has at least one. It could be a famous character, like Superman, or an athlete, like Jackie Robinson. Heroes are important. We idolize our heroes and want to be like them. Most kids think of heroes as being the best in something—strength, wisdom—and they are right. The word “hero” is Greek. The Greeks thought heroes were mere mortals, but mortals that did do something above the normal standards. Each of the fifty heroes include in 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet did something worth remembering that most people could not or would not undertake, and we all remember what they did.
There are 18 women and 40 men in 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet. How can there be 58 people in a book about 50 heroes? Seven of the entries are actually couples or pairs . . .
Originally reviewed on Kid Lit Reviews. To read the full review and see a few interior images, go to: http://bit.ly/50AmericanHeroesKidsMeet
There are 18 women and 40 men in 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet. How can there be 58 people in a book about 50 heroes? Seven of the entries are actually couples or pairs . . .
Originally reviewed on Kid Lit Reviews. To read the full review and see a few interior images, go to: http://bit.ly/50AmericanHeroesKidsMeet
December 20, 2008
Excellent book for short biographical sketches on 50 different American heroes. Includes a two spread for each individual (a great variety of individuals and ethnicities highlighted) telling WHY they are heroic and where to learn more about each one as well as the legacy they've left. I also love the self application questions at the end of each entry prompting the reader to think of and do heroic things.
The enthusiasm of these authors is very "catching" and this one is a great one to have around the house. Biographical reading has shaped who I am today and I'd love to have my children pick up this read. Love to add this to our library some day.
The enthusiasm of these authors is very "catching" and this one is a great one to have around the house. Biographical reading has shaped who I am today and I'd love to have my children pick up this read. Love to add this to our library some day.
March 12, 2012
This book goes over 50 of the influential figures in America. I like how this book starts with what hero can mean. The book also has many helpful information about the figure as well as pictures. Lastly, it talks about how and why the figure was a hero in history. The last thing i like about this book is that it gives a variety of important figures instead of one. This helps the reader to be open to different people in different times, and subject areas.
October 17, 2013
"50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet" would be a great book to give a child in about third or fourth grade who has to do research for a report. It is easy to find notable people from throughout American history in the index and table of contents. The biographies of each person are short and to the point, giving all of the basics to a kid who doesn't know how to search thoroughly through paragraphs of information.
July 8, 2008
Noble loves facts and information, but in short spurts. He loves to read reference books. This an ideal book for him. It has 50 American Heroes, 2 pages on each of them, with one or two pictures, a quote from them, a good synopsis about their life and where to look for more information on that person. Love it.
October 30, 2010
This is a book to be enjoyed by all ages! The authors bring history alive with a sampling of heroes from all walks of life and from different eras. The preponderance of photographs, both formal and informal, make the heroes very real to the reader and the writing style is very kid-friendly. All in all a great book!
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
May 31, 2011
Great book for teachers and homeschool moms and dads to introduce their kids to some real heros. Each person had additional information to encourage kids to read more about them. The standard people you would expect are there (Wright brothers, Roosevelts, etc) and some unexpected ones, like Matthew Henson, Roy Rogers, and I.M. Pei) This book is full of great lessons for kids and adults alike.
September 6, 2016
I thought that this book was good for a book I had to read for school. Thought it really doesn't appeal to me as a book I want to read just anytime, I think it is a good basic starter for learning about people everyone should know. Great book
January 10, 2012
The book was informative and aspirational as well as filled with fun facts that any child would enjoy.
September 19, 2012
It is a very good book. The only problem is that it doesn't give enough information about each hero.
April 27, 2017
BOOK 14
Because there are many stories about different people in this book i will tell one of them. The person I have picked is Oprah Winfrey. She was born in Mississippi, On Jan. 29, 1954. She had a tough childhood. Her relatives weren't sometimes bullied her. She had a good education that helped her, Oprah learned how to read when she was just 3 years old, She started her career as a radio and TV reporter than as a talk show host. Over the years her show grew more popular. She did some other stuff to like acting, writing and publishing. She built a school in South Africa knowing the importance of education.
I liked this book, I learned more about the people i had read so many books about. I learned about people about people I didn't know, or knew but didn't know much about, but they give you an example of a book about the person so if you want to research the person more, so i really liked that. I think there are some people who are american heroes who were not in this book that i would have liked to see, it's fine i still really liked the book.
"Not until a dying friend planted the seed." (talking about Elizabeth Blackwell) is a hyperbole.
" Tough old leader eyes filled with tears." (talking about a the prime minister of Israel on Jimmy Carters page.) Tough Tears, is alliteration. " Your task is to take a common natural product and become Professor Carver." (talking about George Washington Carver) Product and Professor are alliterations. "They traveled in in rickety trucks and buses to fields sprayed with pesticide poisons." Traveled Trucks Alliteration. "But it was too late. the seeds of Frederick's freedom had been sown." Frederick's freedom alliteration.
Because there are many stories about different people in this book i will tell one of them. The person I have picked is Oprah Winfrey. She was born in Mississippi, On Jan. 29, 1954. She had a tough childhood. Her relatives weren't sometimes bullied her. She had a good education that helped her, Oprah learned how to read when she was just 3 years old, She started her career as a radio and TV reporter than as a talk show host. Over the years her show grew more popular. She did some other stuff to like acting, writing and publishing. She built a school in South Africa knowing the importance of education.
I liked this book, I learned more about the people i had read so many books about. I learned about people about people I didn't know, or knew but didn't know much about, but they give you an example of a book about the person so if you want to research the person more, so i really liked that. I think there are some people who are american heroes who were not in this book that i would have liked to see, it's fine i still really liked the book.
"Not until a dying friend planted the seed." (talking about Elizabeth Blackwell) is a hyperbole.
" Tough old leader eyes filled with tears." (talking about a the prime minister of Israel on Jimmy Carters page.) Tough Tears, is alliteration. " Your task is to take a common natural product and become Professor Carver." (talking about George Washington Carver) Product and Professor are alliterations. "They traveled in in rickety trucks and buses to fields sprayed with pesticide poisons." Traveled Trucks Alliteration. "But it was too late. the seeds of Frederick's freedom had been sown." Frederick's freedom alliteration.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews