Book Review
by Jeanna R. Collins
Chair, Mythic Imagination Education Committee

Living the Hero's Quest: Character Building Through Action Research
by Mary Humphrey

ISBN: 1-59158-252-0
Libraries Unlimited
88Post Road West
Westport, CT 06881
Copyright 2005

Mary Humphrey has written a very informative and useful book for educators concerning the use of fairy tale heroes as essential role models for demonstrating positive character traits. She believes that children today think of famous people such as athletes, film stars and pop singers as heroes instead of finding that real hero who exhibits a higher self and "...acts for the greater good, seeks the right path and shows courage...." According to Humphrey, these identifying traits of the hero are found not only in the older fairy tales, but also in the newer versions of fantasy heroes such as in the Harry Potter books and Lord of the Rings.

Characteristics of life for children today that rob them of opportunities to learn the power of story are discussed such as lack of free time, the effect of modern technology on transmitting a story and the decline in household conversations. Because of these modern characteristics that so affect children, Humphrey stresses to educators that it is critical to connect students with stories, particularly hero tales that emphasize the positive traits of the hero. Equally important are stories that show the developmental stages of the hero so that children will begin to see a pattern that can guide them in their own life's journey.

The two most valuable sections of the book for educators concern suggestions of stories for illustrating the six stages of hero development and the description of two key models and how they are used in planning lessons as well as demonstrating how they are used with specific lessons. An additional section with supplementary stories that accompany and reinforce the six types of heroes is also very useful for educators. The last section encourages educators to consider the importance of action research, and she shares much information on how this can be done.

Living the Hero's Quest: Character Building Through Action Research is well written. Explanations are tightly constructed enabling the educator to carry out the lessons easily, and the format is varied and easy to follow. Material is also presented in such a way that readily allows educators to add, subtract, or generally embellish with their own ideas. As a retired 8th grade language arts teacher, I am not often tempted with a desire to return to the class room. Mary Humphrey, however, has given me an itch to teach a unit using her book. I recommend it to all of the educators who will be joining us at Mythic Journeys Conference 2006 in Atlanta!

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