The Hero Next Door

June 24, 2019
Compiled in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this collection of 13 stories by well-known writers for young people showcases everyday heroes of varied gender identity, ethnicity, class, and neurodiversity who resolve a plethora of issues, both otherworldly and mundane. Among its most notable entries are Hena Khan’s “Home,” in which a girl named Aleena grapples with the wonder and frustration of living with her newly adopted little brother; Lamar Giles’s “Ellison’s CORNucopia: A Logan County Story,” in which African-American twin girls Leen and “Wiki” use their mechanical inventions and impressive memory, respectively, to solve the case of a stolen cash box at the local farmers’ market; and Mike Jung’s “Thrown,” about Stevie, an Asian-American martial arts student with autism, who struggles with the transition from kids’ to teen and adult aikido classes, and finds anchoring support from adults in his life, some on the spectrum. With central characters as diverse as the expansive, realistic worlds they inhabit, these accomplished stories triumphantly redefine the meaning of the word hero. Ages 8–12.

Fourteen stellar narrators each read one short story in this anthology by a diverse group of authors. The fictional stories all feature ordinary young people performing extraordinary acts of kindness and friendship. Some are large and heroic, and some are seemingly small but still meaningful. Most memorable is "Reina Madrid" by R.J. Palacio, in which narrator Frankie Corzo brings 1970s Queens to life with New York accents and exquisite Spanish pronunciation. The stories cross genres from contemporary to fantasy to mystery, so there is something for every listener. Each story is about 25 minutes long, making it great for short car trips. Listeners will be inspired to spread kindness and help make the world a better place. S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine