The Tiger's Choice: Talking about Heroes
Heroes is a book with so much to offer on so many different levels. In a few pages it addresses racial stereotypes, war, aggressive behavior that can lead to violence, positive ways to channel aggression, and peace as an easy ideal but a difficult practice. And it does all of that in a story that is compelling and real, with illustrations that are almost cinematic in the way that they add life to Ken Mochizuki’s words.
As Aline has commented, “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 sports as a natural alternative to war play.”
This is such an important aspect of the story. With the violence that has descended upon schools in the U.S. in particular, it is essential to find ways to defuse aggression and violence early in children’s lives–and Heroes shows how a potentially dangerous game is channeled into one that involves teamwork and sportsmanship.
The horrible tragedies that have taken place at Columbine High School and other schools perhaps could have been averted if conflict resolution, examination of stereotypes, and ways to channel aggression had been actively taught in early childhood. Heroes provides a very good place to start that process.
If you have used this book in the classroom, or have read it to your children, please tell us about your experience with it!
