Heroes of Hope brings together diverse stories from across the world - Josie Soden and her daughter Emily found that it opened up meaningful conversations at home, encouraging bravery, persistence, and trust in God through every challenge

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Heroes of Hope has been a welcome anchor in both my daughter’s and my day. We would eagerly anticipate reading the next story together, and each chapter sparked meaningful conversations. I particularly loved how qualities such as bravery, courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and hope were central to so many of these success stories. Rather than focusing solely on careers or achievements to aspire to, the book highlights the character traits that made these individuals extraordinary and encourages young readers to cultivate those same values in their own lives.

It is one of those rare books that not only educates and inspires but also invests back into the hearts and minds of those who read it

My daughter Emily is now 11 years old and she loves to read, at this stage in her life it’s so important that she finds inspiration and purpose for this next chapter into secondary school. So, as parents we want to be intentional with what she reads, what she listens to and that all influences steer her in the right direction.

We have always read the Bible to her; she knows many stories and is inspired by characters in the Bible; this book shows Christians putting their faith into action in a different way that is equally commendable. She is inquisitive and full of questions, so we enjoyed the fact that after each story there were questions to discuss and an opportunity to delve deeper into our opinions on the story, which helped to solidify the message.

it really showed me how I can stay strong in my faith no matter what is bringing me to question my faith in Christ

Here is what she though in her own words:

I love heroes of hope because it encourages us to have a purpose and stand for justice and being fair. Me and my mum enjoyed reading each and every one it taught us hoot overcome our own challenges in everyday life. As a Christian, each story empowers young people to stay strong in their faith, and it really showed me how I can stay strong in my faith no matter what is bringing me to question my faith in Christ.

It teaches me to brave like St Kateri Tekakwitha, stay strong like Paulina Dlamini, persistent like Archbishop Oscar Romero and finally speaking out for what is right even when it is difficult like Rosa Parks. To anyone who is looking for a moving book this is the one, I enjoyed it and you will too.

As someone of mixed heritage, I believe it is important for my daughter to learn about the discrimination that people of colour have faced throughout history and to understand how far society has come in the pursuit of justice. Through these stories, she can develop compassion, understanding, and pride, while also recognising the courage and resilience of those who helped shape a better future.

They embody the very attributes I hope my daughter will aspire to develop

We live in very different times and enjoy freedoms in many ways that previous generations could only dream of. The freedoms my daughter experiences today are, in part, the result of those who fought for justice, challenged injustice, and stood firm in their convictions. Reading about people such as St Juan Diego, who dared to believe; St Kateri Tekakwitha, who endured hardship and thrived; Paulina Dlamini, who lived with a clear sense of purpose; and the many individuals who sacrificed their own comfort to serve the poor and strengthen their communities has been both inspiring and humbling.

These trailblazers dared to go where no one else had gone before, and their stories demonstrate invaluable qualities that are woven throughout the book. They embody the very attributes I hope my daughter will aspire to develop. Whether it is Rosa Parks, whose single act of defiance against unjust laws helped spark change across the United States, or Ini Kopuria, who listened to God’s calling and pursued a vision that seemed impossible to many, each story offers a powerful example of courage, faith, and determination.

I want my daughter to be bold and unwavering in her faith, not swayed by peer pressure or pressured to conform when doing so would compromise her values. Life inevitably throws challenges our way, and so much is often beyond our control. What we can control, however, is how we respond to those challenges: how we remain hopeful, how we persevere, and how we continue to trust God through every circumstance. This book has been instrumental in expanding our knowledge and introducing us to remarkable individuals who have done exactly that, paving the way for future generations through their example.

I could go on, but I would highly recommend investing in this book. It is one of those rare books that not only educates and inspires but also invests back into the hearts and minds of those who read it.