Description
Book SynopsisIn a set of stories about 17 American heroes and heroines, this book analyzes the hero concept in the nation's history. This book unmasks and reveals some of the United States' most beloved historical figures, reflecting their strengths, values, and flaws as no conventional history textbook can. Each chapter provides a comprehensive and complex look at the heroes and heroines who helped to shape a national identity. This book also examines the history, mechanics, and proven benefits of storytelling, identifying the form as an effective strategy to teach about some of the nation's most famous men and women. Each story concludes with a set of discussion questions that allow both educators and students to probe transcending values that are still relevant for young Americans today.
Trade ReviewTales Worth Telling is a significant addition to an adolescent’s education. The book’s importance is multiplied when one considers contemporary influences in the lives of adolescents. Individualism and celebrity exert a strong influence in the popular media. Tales Worth Telling carefully separates the hero from the celebrity. Professor Sanchez’s biographies skillfully develop the lives of flesh and blood heroes who contend with their weaknesses and failures, successes and triumphs, to devote their lives to the improvement of social conditions for other individuals and the betterment of society. -- Lynn R. Nelson, Ph.D, Purdue University, Retired
Tales Worth Telling stands as an example of new and exciting curriculum for the middle and high school social studies teacher. Sanchez presents an interesting and effective strategy as he first explains the importance of hero stories and examines the art of storytelling. Then he presents examples of American men and women heroes… who are not always present in textbooks to make the stories fresh… Each hero story chapter has a set of follow-up discussion questions which can help the student come to understand the often complex dynamics of living in a democracy. -- Randy Mills, Professor at Oakland City University
