There are many aspects to this book, but the one I’d like to focus on, for the purpose of this comment, is how the kids in “Heroes” come to the conclusion that there are better ways to play, on their own (as it happens with the children in Kathy Beckwith’s “Playing War,” featured on the website this month). Donnie’s father and uncle never preach, never chastise the kids who are chasing Donnie. But by showing up at school in their US military uniforms with a football in their hands, they expose Donnie’s friends’ misconceptions and teach them a very important lesson: perception isn’t always reality… The last line of the story tells young readers all they need to know: “So we ran off to the playground. This time they were following me instead of chasing me.” Perhaps it’s no coincidence that both “Heroes” and “Playing War” present sporst as a natural alternative to war play.

Heroes’ basic story is perfect for the age group it’s intended–and for those ready to look at and examine things more deeply, there are opportunities for that as well.