How do you define a hero?

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Webster’s Dictionary defines a hero as: A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. A person who is greatly admired.

The theme for the children’s summer reading program this year is “Every Hero Has a Story.”  How true. In fact, adults, as well as children, can profit considerably by examining the lives and accomplishments of those deemed to be heroes.

There are those heroes from the past, such as many of our Founding Fathers.  For instance, of interest might be John Adams. You may enjoy reading about him in the acclaimed biography, John Adams, by David McCullough. The book is  available at all branches of the Jasper County Library. Or, you might listen to the audio book, available from the DeMotte or Rensselaer branch. There are also DVD’s for viewing.

One can’t help but admire the tenacity of the Wright brothers. Certainly they are heroes to anyone stepping onto an airplane.  A new addition to the collection at each branch is The Wright Brothers, also by David McCullough, with an audio version also in the collection. There’s always more to the historical record than the Kitty Hawk!

Anthony Robles, born without a right leg became the 2011 National Wrestling Champion. Read how he overcame incredible difficulties to be the hero of wrestling fans. DeMotte’s shelf holds this gem.

This blog would be incomplete without mentioning the books Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton and ­ Hope by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus. These are all accounts of individuals facing unimaginable circumstances and proving themselves to be heroes. Unbroken and Soul Surfer are also available as DVD’s.

Whether your heroes are people from history, or people around you today, you can find plenty to read at your library to keep you inspired. Maybe you can be someone else's hero!