The triumph of heroes and heroines is a common theme in all genres of literature. Authors quite often endear us so intimately to the struggling underdog of the story, that we find ourselves rooting for their success as if we had become the champion ourselves.
In March’s books, I found myself cheering for the three main characters who, although faced quite common and ordinary problems, showed great courage. As you read these books you may realize that there are Vickis, Megans, and Kirbys in your school, in your neighborhood, or even in your own home. While they may not be the flashiest, coolest kids in around, they are in their own realm heroic. As you read these books, consider why surviving in a teenage world is as amazing a feat as slaying dragons or saving the world. You may find that as you face your daily life that there is a little bit of hero or heroine inside of you.
What I Believe by Norma Fox Mazer
Vicki is a budding writer who finds herself in some family situations that she doesn’t know how to deal with – and that she doesn’t like. After a few years of her father being unemployed, the family decides that they have to downsize their life, leave the only home they’ve ever known, and move into a city apartment. All through the move and the acclimation into a new school and a new environment, Vicki writes about her adventures in her notebook. Written in many different forms throughout, I found What I Believe to be not only interesting, but full of the drama and almost unrecoverable conflict that I kept me reading to the end of this book.
The Dating Deal by Melanie Marks
Megan stands in front of her high school third period government class after completing her oral presentation, waiting for the inevitable questions that her classmates will surely fire her way. What she does not expect is the snotty, humiliating question that comes from self-proclaimed high school popular extraordinaire, Aspen Bower; “Who are you going with to the spring dance, now that your boyfriend dumped you?” Even more unbelievable is the rescue answer given by cool Trent Ryan, “She’s going with me.”
Megan finds herself relieved of the embarrassment and ridicule of her classmates, but even more perplexed by the idea that her former 8th grade crush, Trent Ryan, night be taking her to the dance. Find out what happens to Megan next in The Dating Deal. This is a sweet book that is not only entertaining, but that also appeals to those of us who like it all to work out in the end.
Airball/My Life in Briefs by L.D. Harkrader
Kirby is a member of the worst seventh grade team in the history of Kansas state basketball. This wouldn’t be all that remarkable or noteworthy, if it weren’t for the words on the sign that welcomed visitors to the small town of Stuckey where Kirby lives. “Welcome to Stuckey. The Basketball Capital of Kansas. Home of the Great Brett McGrew.”
Besides the fact that the seventh grade basketball team can barely make a basket between them, the school board has decided to sponsor the seventh grade team to go to an expedition game and represent Stuckey as their famous hometown star, Brett McGrew, retires his jersey. After close examination of the team, the school board also threatens to fire the coach, if he can not make winners out of this group of boys who are apparent losers. Can the coach and the boys pull together and find victory in time for the expedition game? See for yourself in Airball/My Life in Briefs. Although this is an easy read, you won’t be disappointed.
