Hero Tales, vol. 2
Grade 4-8.  A compilation that highlights 15 Christian missionaries and evangelists and emphasizes specific character traits associated with each person. Written primarily as a read-aloud family devotional, the book is in part a condensation of the Jacksons' "Trailblazer Books," which are individual Christian biographies. This title is a neat union of standard juvenile biography, Christian history, and values education a la William Bennett in its focus on positive, nondenominational character building. Both famous and unknown personalities are profiled, and women and ethnic minorities are well represented. Time periods vary from John Bunyan's imprisonment in the 1600s to Corrie ten Boom's survival at Ravensbruck Nazi prison in 1945. Each biographical sketch is followed by three specific incidents that represent different character qualities in that subject's life. (Florence Nightingale, for example, exhibits generosity, patience, and kindness.) Each "mini-story" concludes with a definition of a character trait, a supporting Biblical quote, and questions to stimulate further discussion. The book's appearance, however, is misleading. The large print belies topics and terms that assume a more mature exposure to world history and government, philosophies, and practices. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's resistance to Hitler's "Aryan Clause," for example, may require further explanation. Although limited in recreational reading appeal, this volume can be of use to adults seeking values-oriented materials. A helpful "trait index" includes an alphabetical list of character qualities that correspond to the profiles.?Carol Beall, Immanuel Christian School, Springfield, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.