Dare to Dream!: 25 Extraordinary Lives    by Sandra McLeod Humphrey Order:  USA  Can Prometheus, 2005 (2005) Paperback     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Sandra McLeod Humphrey, author of Dare to Dream!, is a retired clinical psychologist who works for the Heroes & Dreams Foundation, which develops K-8 character education material. In an introductory note, she describes the book's intent to document 'real heroes who have had a dream, have committed themselves to that dream, and have then worked hard and overcome obstacles to attain that dream.' She tells us that all of these individuals had 'a larger perspective than self.' There are twenty-five biographical sketches of well known US individuals, who range from historical figures like Abraham Lincoln to scientists like Einstein, writers like Toni Morrison, those who overcame physical disabilities like Helen Keller, or led societal change like Martin Luther King, Jr.. Each sketch describes the individual as a child, and as an adult, and includes a quote. For example, we learn that Lincoln was considered a 'peculiarsome' boy for his interest in reading, and that Edison discovered that failures are necessary steps in learning and invention. Many of these people were underachievers in school, or had limited access to schooling. All followed a dream. I especially like the quote at the beginning, in which Michelangelo said that 'The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.' There's a great deal of inspiring food for thought in Dare to Dream! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews