Monday, January 2, 2017

Bibliophile's Corner

Ordinary People Change the World
by Brad Meltzer
We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer.
Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it, Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. (Amazon description.)

My Thoughts:
This inspiring picture book series is the perfect way to begin the New Year! I was lucky enough to meet the author, Brad Meltzer, last fall when he signed the above books for me at a library fundraiser. (I would have purchased the entire series, but some of the titles were sold out!) The reason I quickly became a fan of Mr. Meltzer is due to the keynote address he gave at the fundraiser dinner. He spoke about  "Leaving a Legacy." He used the same philosophy in his speech as he used in his children's books: We can all be heroes. He spoke about his humble childhood beginnings and how the quality of his own family life left a profound impact upon him. He has never forgotten ordinary people.
Each book introduces the young reader to amazing heroes. I read the above group: I Am Martin Luther King; I Am Abraham Lincoln; I Am Helen Keller; I Am Jackie Robinson; I Am George Washington; I Am Rosa Parks; I Am Albert Einstein; I Am Lucille Ball; and I Am Jane Goodall - they were all written with wit and beautifully illustrated!

The New York Times bestselling author, television host, and friend to two U.S. Presidents is an extraordinary man. Click here to check out his website to learn more about Brad Meltzer - and his books.

Brad Meltzer signing my books!