May 1, 2021
K-Gr 3-Shriver takes readers on a countdown journey of everyday people performing acts of service in their communities. Starting with ten hidden heroes who nurse others back to health and counting down to one hero, the text celebrates small acts and large ones: "Six Hidden Heroes teaching others to read. Getting books in lots of hands, that is how to lead!" Children may be surprised to learn that the heroes are not only professional caregivers and essential workers but people just like them, or members of their family. This delightful book is a fresh take on an image search book. Its use of short rhyming text allows the illustrations to shine. Each page is jam-packed with colorful scenery and landscapes that replicate high-energy big cities or small towns. Vibrant depictions of inclusive communities filled with people of different races, genders, faiths, and abilities enhance its powerful messaging. Fun back matter allows readers to determine how they will be heroes in their own communities and draw their responses on a dedicated hero award page. Once they have completed that activity, they can verify their hero selections using the answer key and share more via the book's interactive website. VERDICT This is a worthy, eye-opening addition to any library or classroom collection and a useful teaching tool.-Maegen Rose, Rye Country Day Sch., NY
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from April 15, 2021
A seek-and-find picture book that portrays everyday altruistic efforts. Shriver's text invites readers to notice more than 50 heroic deeds in 10 illustrations. A hospital scene shows "Ten Hidden Heroes working night and day, nursing others back to health until they are okay," including medical staff members reading an X-ray and taking blood pressure. Other images highlight people reading to children, working at a food bank, building homes for those in need, running in a charity race, and doing other helpful activities. The text emphasizes that being a hero includes making gestures of kindness and lifting others' spirits as well as "inventing...rocket ships and medicines." Lastly, the text encourages readers to take action: "What is it you will do? It's your turn to help and heal. The way? It's up to you!" Using simple, effective rhymes, Shriver creatively emphasizes how kids can help make the world better. Readers will enjoy Watson's colorful, action-packed illustrations with bustling, energetic displays of neighborhood happenings. The images also incorporate charitable organizations, as when a bookmobile displays a Save the Children logo. They include people of diverse ethnicities, ages, faiths, and abilities, including characters using wheelchairs and reading braille. Lists at the end point out specific heroic actions shown throughout the book. An inclusive, visually delightful story that may give youngsters the confidence to be heroes themselves.
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