Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively look at 12 extraordinary "ordinary" Americans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WE ARE MIGHTY: 12 ORDINARY AMERICANS WHO DID THE NEXT NEEDED THINGS is a collective biography that honors ordinary people for their extraordinary contributions. It also aims to inspire kids to follow in their footsteps. The 12 featured "ordinary Americans" are described in two-page vignettes that together make up a diverse group that's met diverse needs. Two are writers: Gouverneur Morris (the U.S. Constitution) and Katharine Lee Bates (the song "America the Beautiful"). Two saved lives, including Ida Lewis (a lighthouse keeper) and María de López (a World War I ambulance driver). Two fought against injustice: Ida B. Wells-Barnett (journalist) and Claudette Colvin (civil rights activist). Three promoted education, including Virginia Randolph and Septima Clark (activist-teachers) and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Two used athletics to help the community, sprinter Jim Thorpe, who modeled how to overcome obstacles and baseball player Roberto Clemente, who cared about children. Finally, Congressman Norman Mineta serves as an example of working across the aisle. The back matter offers a timeline, selected bibliography, and source notes for quotations.
Is It Any Good?
In an age when heroes are in short supply, kids can draw inspiration from this lively collective biography that honors a dozen people who made a difference in the world. Focus is on their good works in We Are Mighty: 12 Ordinary Americans Who Did the Next Needed Things. Some are famous, and others are not. No attempt is made to provide a full life story within each quick two-page vignette, so the narrow focus can feel limiting and light on context. That said, this accessible collection does succeed in getting kids to think about how they too can take opportunities to serve, right wrongs, speak out, and make life better for others in their day-to-day lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can read We Are Mighty and discuss what it means to be a change-maker like the "ordinary" people in this book. Do you see things in your school or community that could be changed for the better? Do you see ways you could help?
Have you ever had the chance to speak up for what's right, or to right a wrong at home, school, or in your community? If so, when and how?
Name one person from the book who especially inspired you. Why?
The people in the book show compassion, courage, and perseverance. Have you ever been called upon to use one of those qualities? if so, when and how?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Susanna Chapman
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Gender equality , Racial justice ) , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 19, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 1, 2026
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