A collection of 25 biographical sketches of ordinary people from all walks of life who overcame great obstacles in order to attain their extraordinary dreams. Table of Contents A Note to Adults A Note to the Young Reader Abraham Lincoln Thomas Alva Edison Nellie Bly Albert Einstein Helen Keller Eleanor Roosevelt Georgia O'Keeffe Jim Thorpe Norman Vincent Peale Chien-Shiung Wu Jackie Robinson Maya Angelou Martin Luther King, Jr. Sandra Day O'Connor Toni Morrison Bill Cosby Marian Wright Edelman Wilma Rudolph Arthur Ashe Ben Carson Gloria Estefan Ellen Ochoa Michael Jordan Sammy Sosa Heather Whitestone A Final Thought Bibliography Excerpt A Note to Adults Many of our young people today are lacking heroes, goals, and a sense of direction to their lives. The intent of this book is to restore dreams and heroes to our young people--not magical heroes with no problems but real heroes who have had a dream, have committed themselves to that dream, and have then worked hard and overcome obstacles to attain that dream. This book is therefore dedicated to young people everywhere to encourage them to have a dream and then commit themselves to that dream and never give up.

Professional Reviews
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-7. "They all had courage ... they all had obstacles to overcome." Following a brief, inspirational introduction, the author presents 25 biographical sketches about individuals who made their dreams come true. Each four-page profile comprises one section on childhood, one on the hero's adult life, and a small black-and-white photo. The appeal is in the astonishing facts; the clear, direct style; and the diversity of individuals across history, race, class, and profession, including famous political leaders (Lincoln, King, and Eleanor Roosevelt) as well as athletes, artists, scientists, preachers, and writers. Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, NBA star Michael Jordan, and Heather Whitestone, profoundly deaf, who was crowned Miss America in 1995, are among the subjects. Forget documentation. Other than a lengthy bibliography, there are no sources, even for direct quotes.

Reader Reviews for "Dare to Dream!: 25 Extraordinary Lives"

Reviewed by m j hollingshead	3/28/2005
Through the four page vignettes showcasing the lives of dignitaries such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jim Thorpe, Heather Whitestone, and Eleanor Roosevelt Humphrey enlighten young readers toward understanding that those we call heroes were/are everyday people whose strength of character allowed them to accomplish exceptional acts. Beginning with dedication to their dreams, each persevered to master impediments standing between them and the fulfillment of those dreams. Racial discrimination, shyness or feelings of inferiority, physical handicap, educational disadvantage were impediments to overcome but not impediments to prevent these heroes from achieving their goal. Read entire review posted as article on mj hollingshead pages AuthorsDen
Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado	3/28/2005
sounds like my kind of book! i love stories of people overcoming great odds! :)
Reviewed by Sandra Humphrey	3/28/2005

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