The Hero Next Door - by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Paperback)

About the Book

A collection of short stories by diverse authors that explores acts of bravery by heroes trying to make the world a better place.

Book Synopsis

From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes another middle-grade short-story collection--this one focused on exploring acts of bravery--featuring some of the best own-voices children's authors, including R. J. Palacio (Wonder), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Linda Sue Park (A Long Walk to Water), and many more.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some heroes teach martial arts. Others talk to ghosts. A few are inventors or soccer players. They're also sisters, neighbors, and friends. Because heroes come in many shapes and sizes. But they all have one thing in common: they make the world a better place.

Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this vibrant anthology features thirteen acclaimed authors whose powerful and diverse voices show how small acts of kindness can save the day. So pay attention, because a hero could be right beside you. Or maybe the hero is you.

AUTHORS INCLUDE: William Alexander, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park and Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ronald L. Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, and short-story contest winner Suma Subramaniam

"As with the two previous anthologies from We Need Diverse Books, this collection admirably succeeds in making available to all readers a wider and more representative range of American voices and protagonists." --The Washington Post

Review Quotes

"A stellar collection that, in celebrating heroes, helps readers find the universal in the specific." --Kirkus Reviews starred review

"A great anthology with a message of spreading kindness and hope." -School Library Journal

"There is a story here for everyone." -Booklist

"These accomplished stories triumphantly redefine the meaning of the word hero." -Publishers Weekly

"As with the two previous anthologies from We Need Diverse Books, this collection admirably succeeds in making available to all readers a wider and more representative range of American voices and protagonists." -The Washington Post

Praise for Flying Lessons & Other Stories:

An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick!
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year!
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year!
A New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids Selection
!A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection!

FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!

"Should not be missed." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable." --School Library Journal, Starred Review

"There's plenty of magic in this collection to go around." --Booklist, Starred Review

"Universal themes." --Kirkus, Starred Review

"A glittering cast of writers." --The Bulletin, Starred Review

"Will resonate with any kid who's ever felt different--which is to say, every kid." --Time

"An unusually strong collection." --The Horn Book

About the Author

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the author of 8th Grade Superzero, which was named an ILA Notable Book for a Global Society and an NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She also writes nonfiction, including Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow and Someday Is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins. She is the coauthor of the middle-grade novel Two Naomis, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and is a Junior Library Guild Selection, and its sequel, Naomis Too. She is a member of the Brown Bookshelf and the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books. She has contributed to numerous anthologies for children, teens, and educators; holds an MA in education; and writes frequently on literacy-related topics for Brightly. Visit her online at olugbemisolabooks.com.