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Aids
Nkosi Johnson
was an orphan infected by HIV who spoke out on behalf of children with AIDS.
(World AIDS Orphans Day is May 7)

Clara Hale
Clara Hale helped hundreds of foster children.
by Jessica from Mississauga, Canada

Austin Gutwein
Austin Gutwein founded Hoops of Hope to raise money to help children orphaned by AIDS.
by Lindsey from Palmer, Massachusetts

Thembi Ngubane
Thembi was a youth ambassador for Nelson Mandela's campaign
against HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Angel
Louie Zamperini
Louis Zamperini is a WW2 prisoner of war survivor
who forgave his tormentor and inspires others to forgive.
by Annika from Eden Prairie

Jeni Stepanek
Jeni Stepanek is an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy who continues
to spread her son, Mattie's, message of peace.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa gained international prominence as a modern-day saint.
by Jeff Trussell

Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a beautiful actress, dancer and notable Ambassador for UNICEF.
by Gheeda from Beirut, Lebanon

Terry Fox
Terry Fox lost his leg to cancer when he was a teenager.
He decided to run across Canada to raise funds for Cancer research.
by Andy from Canada

Sadako Sasaki
Sadako caught radiation sickness when the U.S. dropped an atom bomb in Hiroshima.
She only managed to fold 644 out of 1000 cranes for world peace before she died.
by Amanda E. from Derry NH

Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen was the inspiration for her sister to reach out to other women with cancer.
by Ally from Eden Prairie

Animal
Binti Jua
Binti Jua is the hero of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
He rescued a 3-year-old child who fell 18 feet into the zoo's exhibit.
by Nancy Nickerson

Balto
Balto led his dog team on the lifesaving 1925 serum run to Rome, Alaska.
by Brooke from Toronto, Canada


Shasta
Shasta was a trained member of the Alaska Search and Rescue team.
by Hans from Alaska

Hero
Hero is an extraordinary therapy dog.
By Hero's Friends at School

Big Ben
Big Ben raced his way into the hearts and memories of fans.
by Kayla from Malcolm, Canada

S.A.D. Horse Rescue
S.A.D. Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing neglected draft horses.
by Lindsay from Millbrook, Canada

Puppies Behind Bars
Puppies Behind Bars is a program that benefits both inmates and dogs.
by Jennifer Beck

Artist
Rembrandt van Rijn
Rembrandt van Rijn captured the suffering, reflection and compassion of humanity in his art.
by Rebecca Miller

Edmonia Lewis
Edmonia Lewis defied restrictions placed on black women
and found fame and respect in the art community.
by Jerrilyn and Madline Jacobs

Jim Henson
Jim Henson was the world's most famous puppeteer, bringing smiles to children worldwide.
by Joe from Fredricksburg

Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh overcame personal struggles to become one of the world's most renowned artists.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Mamadou Tall Diedhiou
Mamadou Tall Diedhiou combines recycled materials to create inspiring works of art.
by Cheikh Darou Seck from Dakar, Senegal

Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams was an 'artist-activist' whose photographs of nature inspired conservation.
Donita from Billings, Montana

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel revolutionized women's fashion and empowered women.
by Melanie from Fredericksburg, Virginia

Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt filled the world with her beautiful paintings of children, mothers, love and kindness.
Claire from New York

Wang Yani
Wang Yani started to paint at a young age and, at thirteen, her art was being hung
in galleries around the world.
by Elena from Center Valley

Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects in the world.
by Nico from California (crossroads school) 6th grade

Bajé Whitethorne
Bajé illustrates children's books about Navajo Traditional Stories.
His art celebrates living in harmony.
by Olin Smith from Flagstaff, Arizona

Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief was a beloved Native American ballerina who pioneered many important roles.
by Rebecca Miller

Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby is one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.
by Melanie from Fredericksburg

Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange captured powerful moments in history with a keen eye for the human condition.
by Amanda from San Diego

Daniel Libeskind
Daniel Libeskind is an architect whose work inspires peace.
by Kevin from Bellevue

Fauzia Minallah
Fauzia Minallah is the founder of Funkor Childart Centre and an ARTIVIST.
by Joanne Tawfilis

Friedl Dicker-Brandeis
Friedl Dicker-Brandeis was an artist and teacher who gave children hope during the Holocaust.
by Taylor Copeland from Connecticut

Business
Blake Mycoskie
Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes to bring shoes to children who don't have them.
by Alecia from Hawaii

Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an American scientist, inventor, visionary, statesman and philosopher.
By Christopher from San Diego

Madam C.J. Walker
C.J. Walker started her successful business specifically for African-American women and gave money
to organizations that would help or encourage black Americans.
by Alexandra from St.Paul

Soichiro Honda
Soichero Honda was a successful inventor and businessman who built the Honda Motor Company.
by Isabella from San Francisco

Oprah
Oprah Winfrey was honored by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity.
by Kyra Kirkwood

Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, innovator and founder of Apple Computer, created the first personal computer.
by Max from Roxboro, New Jersey

John Tu
John Tu is the founder of Kingston Technology (computer memory products), a musician and a supporter
of Erin Gruwell's Freedom Writers.
by Casey from Laguna Beach

Milton S. Hershey
Milton Hershey made a fortune on chocolate and gave back to children.
by David from Montvale, New Jersey

Jack Odell
Jack Odell was an English engineer who invented the Matchbox car for his daughter.
by Kathy Crockett

Dolores Olmedo Patino
Dolores Olmedo Patino was a beloved Mexican businesswoman, philanthropist, and art collector.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Child
Bilaal Rajan
Bilaal Rajan is the founder of Making Change Now and Canada's child ambassador to UNICEF.
by Sean from Richmond Hill

Jeneece Edroff
who raises money to help children with serious illnesses.
by Ally from Victoria

Ruby Nell Bridges
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of school as a child.
by Madison from Maine

Caine Monroy
Caine Monroy created a cardboard arcade in his father's shop that raises funds
to foster creativity and entrepreneurship.
by David Kelly

Malala
Malala speaks out for the rights of girls to have an education.
by Jane Wallace

Hannah Taylor
Hannah Taylor started the Ladybug Foundation to help the homeless in her community.
Iqbal Masih
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws in Pakistan.
by Attie from Anmore, Canada

Ana Dodson and Peruvian Hearts
Ana Dodson and Peruvian Hearts formed an organization to provide children in Peruvian orphanages
an education and hope for the future.

Community
Richard Proudfit
Richard Proudfit founded Kids Against Hunger to feed starving children around the world.
by Ben from Eden Prairie

Luis Bohorquez
Luis Bohorquez started the Biblioburro Library in the mountains of Colombia.
by Ryan from San Diego

Pedal = Sight
tells how a bicycle can change a life.
by Amanda Molinaro

Kimmie Weeks:
Youth Action International

Kimmie Weeks survived the war in Liberia and now works to rebuild communities in war-torn countries.
Art Miles Mural Project
Art Miles Mural Project uses art to create a more peaceful global community.
by Kevin Metz

Jessie Christopherson
Jessie Christopherson helps the physically and mentally challenged accomplish things
they never thought possible.
by Emily from North Sioux City

Ralf Hotchkiss
Ralf Hotchkiss is an engineer, inventor and humanitarian, and the founder of Whirlwind Wheelchair International.
Kathy Crockett

William Kamkwamba
William Kamkwamba designed and built a windmill, at the age of 14, for his family in Malawi, Africa.
by Wendy Jewell

Clotilde Dedecker
Clotilde Dedecker provides educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan.
Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic went from a life without limbs to a life without limits.
by Tim from San Diego

Craig Kielburger
Craig Kielburger is an activist for childrens' rights and has founded 'Me to We' and 'Free the Children'.
by Jane Wallace

Brandon Keefe
Brandon Keefe provided books to underfunded libraries in his hometown.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs

Earthkeeper
Benjamin Kahn
Benjamin Kahn involves school children in regrowing coral to help save damaged reefs in the Red Sea.
by Christina, Caracol, Maddie, and Sophie from Seattle

Fin Donnelly
Fin Donnelly swims in different rivers to raise awareness for how much pollution we have in our waters.
by Jenny Kim

Velma Bronn Johnston
Velma Bronn Johnston (Wild Horse Annie) worked to save the wild mustangs in the United States.
by Samantha from St. Claire

John Muir
John Muir dedicated his life to preserving wilderness areas for the beauty and peace they bring to our lives.
Josephine from San Diego

Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau was an ocean explorer and its most passionate advocate.
by Jeff Trussell

Dr. Shirley McGreal
Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League.
by Julian Siminski

Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-profit organization that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa.
by Heidi Antocicco

John Muir
John Muir has been called the "greatest Californian," "the father of our national parks," and "protector of the wilds."
by Harold W. Wood, Jr., a teacher who helps run the Sierra Club education outreach unit

Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is a musician who encourages kids to take care of the environment.
by Alex from San Diego

John Denver
John Denver was an American songwriter/singer and activist for the environment.
Debra from Santa Monica

Ric O'Barry
Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world.
by David Kemker

Zander Srodes
and Turtle Talks

Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks has educated over 5,000 students on sea turtles and marine conservation.

Explorer
Marco Polo
Marco Polo was a famous Italian explorer to the Far East.
by Jessica from Milwaukee, Minnesota

Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist and an ambassador of the oceans.
by Edward Ortiz

James Herman Banning
James Herman Banning was an early and daring black aviator.
by Russ from Spokane

Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison, physician and NASA astronaut, was the first black woman to travel in space
by Christian Walsh

Sally Ride
Sally was the first American woman to go up in space.
by Sara

Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart became the first woman aviator in the world to try to fly around the world, inspiring women in the world
to do things only men had done.
by Brenna from Williamstown

Yuri Gagarin
Yuri Gagarin was the first human being to journey into space.
By Gleb from Victoria

Alexandrine Tinne
Alexandrine Tinne was a young Dutch explorer in Africa and the first female to attempt to cross the Sahara.
Matthew Henson
Matthew Henson was a brave African-American Artic explorer, and the co-discoverer of the North Pole.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Sacajawea
Sacajawea helped guide Lewis and Clark across the northwestern United States.
by Lydia Ratna

John Glenn
John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth. He has served his country and family with great love and devotion.
by Kathy Crockett

Family
Malick Seck
Malick Seck is respected by his community and family for his humanitarian works, and his wisdom and dedication.
by Cheikh Seck from Dakar

Joneice
Joneice proved to her sister how strong a kid can be.
by Kia

Erika
Erika has cerebral palsy and underwent a back operation to help her walk better.
by Eddie Becker, her father

Catherine Malonza
The diagnosis was kidney failure; only one person could save my life - my sister Catherine.
by Keegan Malonza from San Marcos, a college student studying English as a second language

Karla Diane Hurrell
Karla Diane Hurrell has been a mother to at least 153 children and has given so many the chance for a better life.
by Sara from Joplin

Jennifer Porter
Jennifer Porter is a hero to her daughter, Stephanie, because of the way she humbly cares for her family and others.
by Stephanie from Lindon, Utah

Dick Hoyt
Dick Hoyt is a dedicated Dad who breaks down barriers to his son's disability.
by Jay from Spokane, Washington

Irwin
Irwin kept a dream and family bagel business alive.
by Michael from Montreal

My Grandfather Pepe
Pepe overcame great obstacles to eventually own his own ranch.
by Maryfer from Mexico

Sadie Dunn
Sadie Dunn is an inspiring role model as a teacher and great-grandmother.
by Jemirio from Roxboro, North Carolina

Ivan Babak
Ivan Babak is a hardworking immigrant father from Ukraine who helped build a caring and sharing community.
by Lilia from Spokane, Washington

Freedom
Jeremy Glick
Jeremy Glick was a hero of Flight 93 and Emmy's beloved father.
by Emmy Glick

John Adams
John Adams worked as hard for peace for the United States as he did for its independence.
by Wyatt from Fredericksburg

Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was one of the first to recognize and warn others of Hitler's danger to freedom and human rights.
by Riley McMahon

Ruby Nell Bridges
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child.
Olivia from Glenbrook, Massachusetts

Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe in an effort to keep its homeland.
by Jennifer Beck

Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks stood up against racism and stood up for herself.
by Francisca Stewart a 4th/5th grader from California

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was a U.S president who fought for the abolition of slavery while keeping the country united.
by Roger Norton

Iqbal Masih
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws in Pakistan.
by Stephanie and Audrey from Forest Hills

Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to freeing Burma from a repressive dictatorship and creating democracy without violence.
by Susannah Abbey

George Washington
George Washington led the American Revolution and was the first President of the United States.
by Alex from Selden, NY

Heroes_of_Faith
Regina Jonas
Regina Jonas was the first woman ever to be ordained as a rabbi.
by Ariel from Sycamore Jr High, Ohio

Abraham
Abraham is considered the father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
by Glen Peltz

Immaculee Ilibagiza
Immaculee Ilibagiza demonstrates the power of forgiveness to bring healing and hope to the people of Rwanda.
by Molly from Spokane, Washington

Corrie Ten Boom
Corrie Ten Boom risked her life to help hundreds of Jews escape during WWII.
by Maddie from Maine USA

Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi was a true example of harmonious existence on Earth.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Susanna Wesley
Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism.
by Abby Coker

Lifesaver
Tommie Hamaluba
Tommie Hamaluba is a teacher in Botswana, Africa, working to eradicate malaria.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Sasa
Sasa is a young doctor in Burma keeps his promise to his village.
by Jane Wallace

1925 Serum Run Participants
ran an astonishing race to save lives.
by Betty Bailey

Jon Rose
Jon Rose is a surfer dedicated to bringing clean drinking water to the world.
by Laylan Connelly

Ben Carson
Ben Carson is the chief of neurosurgeryat Johns Hopkins University Hospital.
by Dr. Renee Shackelford

Irena Sendler
Irena Sendler helped Jewish children escape the Warsaw ghetto during the Holocaust.
by Kelly from Spokane

Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing.
by Gretchen from Vermont

Eddie Aikau
Eddie Aikau loved the sea and often risked his life to save others.
by Jon from Pukalani, Hawaii

Ryan Hreljac
Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean water in Africa.
by Wendy Jewell

LincolnBicentennial
Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiesel personifies Lincoln's commitment to freedom and equality.
by Jack from Oak Forest

Jerry King
Like Lincoln, Jerry King is a man of firm convictions who serves his community and inspires his granddaughter.
by Swen from Mt. Vernon

Literary
The Hero in Pop Culture
~ Stories That Inspire

by Ellen Wilson Fielding
Charlotte A. Cavatica
Charlotte A. Cavatica, beloved character in the book Charlotte's Web, is a true friend to Wilbur the Pig.
by Amy Mack from South Dakota

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
Harry Potter's characters will forever be in our treasure trove of children's stories.
by Kaiti from Cincinnati

Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch is the heroic lawyer from Harper Lee's novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
by Jason from Colby

Musician
Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin was an accomplished chemist, composer and staunch advocate of women's rights.
by Rebecca Miller

Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a celebrated opera singer who also worked for human rights.
by Elizabeth

Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is one of the most successful and influential jazz musicians in history.
by Yusuke from San Diego

Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan has been a trailblazer for popular music for five decades.
by Jonah Cohen

Paul Hewson (Bono)
Paul Hewson is a musician, family man and humanitarian.
by Kayla from Sydney, Canada

Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin composed operatic and ragtime music and influenced early jazz.
by Adam from Center Valley

Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was a beloved songstress who used her success to help people of all races, cultures and beliefs.
by Julie from Selden

Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas inspires his listeners with his meaningful lyrics, his strong faith and his willingness to share
with others his fight against juvenile diabetes.
by Alexandra from Edmonton

Donald Knaack
Donald Knaack is a musician whose unique productions inspire people of all ages to explore, create and give back to others.
by Kimberly Kenna

Mythological
Jason and the Argonauts
Jason and the Argonauts were a crew of brave Greek Mythological heroes.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Peacemaker
The 14th Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is the religious leader of Tibet and an emblem of Tibet's hopes for peace and freedom.
by Catherine from Villeurbanne, France

Andrei Sakharov
Andrei Sakharov was a Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner devoted to justice and human rights.
by Nate from Fredericksburg

Mohandas K. Gandhi
Gandhi shows the world that one can be a Hero and accomplish great things without guns or swords or hatred.
by Jeff Trussell

Jason Crowe
Jason Crowe was a peace activist who was given the Global Peace and Tolerance Award in a ceremony at the United Nations.
by Wendy Jewell

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to abolishing apartheid and establishing a democracy in South Africa.
by Sahil from San Diego

Peace Pilgrim
Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles for peace.
by Shiloh from Alaska

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that love, not violence, was the most powerful weapon.
by Nick Campbell from Juneau, Alaska

Archbishop Oscar Romero
Archbishop Oscar Romero was a passionate voice of hope, peace and justice in war-torn El Salvador.
by Natalie from San Francisco

Philosopher
Confucius
Confucius was a religious philosopher of ancient China.
by Aaron from San Diego

Will Rogers
Will Rogers was a beloved American humorist and humanitarian.
by Rebecca Miller

Voltaire
Voltaire is considered France's greatest writer and philosopher.
by Thomas from Villeurbanne, France

Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who is the founder of the study of logic.
by Maria from Jakarta

Pythagoras
Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher whose work in math and music laid the groundwork for us today.
by Yuma from Texas

Poet
Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda is the most widely read Latin-American poet.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson

Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi
is a renowned Iranian poet.
by Atiyeh from Tehran

Mattie Stepanek
Mattie Stepanek began writing poems at the age of three. His words and messages of hope and peace have
inspired people all over the world.
story by Jim Hawkins from Children's Hospice International and My Hero staff

Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein was a poet, playwright, lyricist and good friend.

Theodor Seuss (Dr. Seuss) Geisel
Dr. Seuss was an artist, poet and philosopher for the child in all of us.
by Daniel from Sulphur

Anna Akhmatova
Anna Akhmatova is considered one of Russia's best poets.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs

Li Bai
Li Bai is often referred to as the 'God of Poets' in China.
by Sukey from Flushing

Science
Augusta Ada Byron
Augusta Ada Byron developed the world's first computer program while struggling
with her own personal hardships.
by Edward Ortiz

Philo T. Farnsworth
Philo T. Farnsworth drew his idea for a television on a blackboard in high school when he was fourteen.
by Dave from Santa Monica, California

Madame Curie
Marie Curie discovered radium, invented the first mobile x-ray machine and was the first woman
to receive the Nobel Prize for science.
by Robert B. Hole, Jr. and Allison a sixth grader from Connecticut

Dr. France Cordova
Dr. France Cordova is a renowned astrophysicist who has broken gender and cultural barriers.
by Barbara Field

Galileo Galilei
Galileo was the first to use a telescope to observe the stars and planets.
by Patricia from Spokane

Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin is a professor, doctor of animal science and an autism activist.
by Camille from San Diego

Andrea Mia Ghez
Andrea Mia Ghez is an astrophysicist best known for her discoveries about the black hole
at the center of our galaxy.
by Jennifer Lauren Lee

Ameen Abdulrasool
Ameen Abdulrasool is a young inventor who developed a portable navigation system for the blind.
by David Kemker

Clifford V. Johnson
Clifford V. Johnson is a string theorist who studies the makeup of the smallest particles of the universe.
by Jennifer Lauren Lee

Sports
Olaf Kolzig
Olaf Kolzig is a hockey legend who founded Athletes Against Autism.
by Matt from Fredericksburg

Adaptive Action Sports
Since 2000, the USASA has provided opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete in snowboarding competitions.
by Amanda Molinaro

Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball.
by Brandon from Selden, New York

C. Vivian Stringer
C. Vivian Stringer despite great challenges, pursued her passion for basketball and is known
for turning women into champions.
by Cathy Crockett

Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols is a great ballplayer and a great advocate of children with Down's Syndrome.
by Travis from Roxboro, North Carolina

Pele
Pelé has been titled the best soccer player ever and is also an advocate of the poor.
by Brandon from Fredericksburg, Virginia

Mariel (Mia) Margaret Hamm
Mia Hamm has inspired the next generation of women athletes with her talent, her mentoring
and her humanitarian work.
by Nia from Fredericksburg, Virginia

Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack and inspired the world.
by Carisa from San Diego

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah rode a bike across Ghana to challenge the stigma of being disabled.
by Alyssa from Sycamore Junior High

Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph overcame a debilitating childhood illness and went on to become the first African-American woman
to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympics.
by My Hero staff and students' entries from the guestbook

Teacher
Annie Mansfield Sullivan Macy
Annie Sullivan was the outstanding teacher of Helen Keller.
by Sarah from Montvale

Louis Braille
Louis Braille invented a system of writing and reading used by blind people all over the world.
by Brett from San Diego

Ranald MacDonald
Ranald MacDonald was a Native American/Scot wayfarer who helped open up Japan to the West.
by Kelley from Spokane

Rowena Gerber
Rowena Gerber and her students raise money to send Solar Ovens around the world.
by Wendy Jewell

Ruty Hotzen
Ruty Hotzen inspires students from around the world through Talking Kites, iEARN.
by Reverend Charles F. Harper

Cheikh Darou Seck
Cheikh Darou Seck is an English teacher in Senegal who inspires his students to become MY HERO reporters.
by Seny from Dakar

Bill Belsey
Bill Belsey is a teacher with a mission to stop bullying.
by Jesse from Calgary, Canada

Viola Vaughn
Viola Vaughn founded an organization that supports girls working to achieve academic success in Africa
by Brande from Spokane

Erin Gruwell
Erin Gruwell is the founder of Freedom Writers and an inspiration to teachers and students around the world.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs

Raden Ajeng Kartini
Raden A. Kartini championed education and civil rights for women in Indonesia.
by Ines from Jakarta

Women
Farkhonda Hassan
Farkhonda Hassan is an Egyptian politician, scientist, professor, and women's rights activist.

Dorothea Lynde Dix
Dorothea Lynde Dix was an advocate for the rights of the mentally ill.
by Sean from Connecticut

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth born into slavery, worked for the freedom of all.
by Nancy Nickerson

Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz
Sor Juana de la Cruz was scholar, writer, nun and early feminist.
by Eric from Port Royal

Queen Rania of Jordan
Queen Rania of Jordan is a crusader for the rights of women and children.
by Claudia Hudson

Elena Caragiani-Stoenescu
Elena Caragiani-Stoenescu was the first woman pilot in Romania.
by Andreea Minzat from Dej, Romania

Writer
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss wrote many wonderful children's books.
by Tina, a teenager

Anne Frank
Anne Frank has been called the "human face of the Holocaust." Her diary lives on forever.
by Jessica

Elizabeth Jane Cochrane
(Nellie Bly)

Elizabeth Jane Cochrane was a well known female reporter at the turn of the century.
by Penelope

James Herriot
James Herriot recorded his veterinary adventures and his books have been an inspiration to animal lovers
(and future veterinarians) everywhere.
by Sarah Cowan a fifth grade student from California

Jules Verne
Jules Verne was a science fiction writer and some of his imaginary inventions were created later in his lifetime.
by Matthew Goldstone a 4th/5th grade student from California

Mark Twain
Mark Twain was a prolific author and beloved American humorist.
by David Ginsburg

Helen Keller
Helen Keller, although blind and deaf, became an accomplished writer and passionate advocate of the disabled.
by Katie from San Diego

Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin to expose the injustice and inhumanity of slavery.
by Tara from Connecticut

Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett is a celebrated and imaginative writer.
by Andrew from Victoria

Charles Huffam Dickens
Charles Dickens was an English novelist of the 19th century whose work showed great sympathy for the poor.
by Alex Becker

Gene Roddenberry
Gene Roddenberry was a screenwriter and the producer of Star Trek.
by Justin

JK Rowling
J.K. Rowling is the writer of the Harry Potter books and has inspired children around the world to read.
Rachael from Fredericksburg

C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicle of Narnia Series.
by Dana from Laguna Beach

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor, scholar and writer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
by Austin from San Diego