The book of heroes Tales of history's most daring dudes

Though many of the hundred or so daring dudes presented here are high-profile historic heroes like Abraham Lincoln, Galileo, and Jackie Robinson, there's a strong admixture of admirable figures from movies and mythology. Included, too, are 9/11 first responders and other ordinary people who did extraordinary things in extreme situations, not to mention heroic animals and a number of Gutsy Gals (more of those in the companion Book of Heroines, 2016). The result is an exceptionally diverse gallery of inspirational role models. The entries, grouped under headings like Leading Men and Peace Heroes, range in length and come with a portrait, usually photographic. Readers who don't see themselves as another Gandhi or Michael Jordan (or Harry Potter) may find the feats of the anonymous Tank Man of Tiananmen Square or Joseph Zito, an elevator operator who saved nearly 150 workers from the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, more in reach. After all, as Boyer observes, Achilles had his heel, and even George Washington lost more battles than he won.--Peters, John Copyright 2017 Booklist