By: Brianna Haufman, Marketing and Communications Manager
April 9, 2024
Whether crafted from the imagination of fiction or inspired by real-life events, heroes ignite our spirits with their resilience, bravery, and unwavering determination. Join us on a journey through the pages of iconic tales such as "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," "I Am Malala," and the timeless epic "The Odyssey." From mythical gods to real-life champions, our curated booklist showcases a diverse array of narratives that exemplify the essence of heroism, reminding us that "Every Hero Has a Story" worth celebrating.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
After learning he is a demigod, Percy Jackson is sent to a summer camp on Long Island, where he meets the father he never knew--Poseidon, god of the sea.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is a memoir of a young activist's life in Pakistan, where she fights for girls' education under Taliban rule and becomes a target of assassination. The book teaches the importance of education and the power of speaking out for what is right.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A hobbit named Frodo inherits the One Ring, which can destroy the entire world. With the recently reawakened evil, being Sauron, going after the Ring to cement his reign, Frodo joins with eight others to destroy the Ring and defeat Sauron.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken is a biography of World War II veteran Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who survived a plane crash in the Pacific Theater, spent 47 days drifting on a raft, and then survived more than two and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) in three Japanese POW camps.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
A middle grade novel about bravery and forgiveness. The main plot follows the adventures of a mouse named Despereaux Tilling, as he sets out on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess from the rats.
In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
Endless ice. Thin air. The threat of dropping into nothingness thousands of feet below. This is the climb Silvia Vasquez-Lavado braves in her page-turning, pulse-raising memoir following her journey to Mount Everest. In the Shadow of the Mountain is a remarkable story of heroism, one which awakens in all of us a lust for adventure, an appetite for risk, and faith in our own resilience.
The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
The saga focuses on the stories of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, and Ciri, a princess who becomes a witcher-in-training. Geralt, with the help of Yennefer of Vengerberg, must keep Ciri safe from the many people who wish to use her for political gains, all while training her in the ways of being a Witcher.
Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada
Here is the unforgettable autobiography of Joni Eareckson Tada and her struggles to adjust after a diving accident leaves her paralyzed from the neck down. Now with an inspirational update from Joni about the worldwide impact of her book and her Joni and Friends ministry. Includes photos and illustrations by Joni.
The Odyssey by Homer
The narrative follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The poem opens with Odysseus stranded on the island of Ogygia, where he has been detained by the nymph Calypso. The majority of the story unfolds as Odysseus faces numerous challenges, encounters mythical creatures, and battles both the forces of nature and divine intervention on his way back to Ithaca, his beloved homeland.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus by Joss Whedon
The definitive comics collection of all things Buffy starts here. This first massive volume begins at the beginning--The Origin, a faithful adaptation of creator Joss Whedon's original screenplay for the film that started it all. The newly chosen Slayer's road to Sunnydale continues in Viva Las Buffy and Slayer, Interrupted. Next, Sunnydale, the Scoobies, and an English librarian lead the way into Season 1 continuity.