Dex the Heart of a Hero

Title: Dex the Heart of a Hero
Author: Caralyn Buehner
Illustrator: Mark Buehner
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
http://www.harpercollins.com/
Publication Date: 2004
Genre: Picture Book, Animals
Audience: K-3rd
Overview: Dexter is a little dog that is made fun of and overlooked by both cats and dogs. His biggest dream is to become a super hero. He realizes that his dream can come true after much training and hard work. Dexter gains respect in his community by helping anyone who is in need, and even helps a tomcat Cleever (who is not very nice to Dexter) who is stuck in a tree. After Dexter heroically saves him, the whole community, and even Cleever, realize how great of a hero Dexter really is.
Activity: This would be a good book to read before introducing a fun project to younger children. Each student can invent their very own superhero along with a short story. They could draw their superhero helping out their own community. Another idea is discussing and honoring the heros in their own community, people who do helpful things for others everyday.
Reviewer's Name: Rachel Bartee