Children's Books & Resources
Here at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, we share the BIG stories of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor Recipients with audiences of all ages. These awards are the highest military and space decorations the United States of America bestows. The stories of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor Recipients capture the spirit of what it means to put service before self and to embrace curiosity. They remind us all individuals, while ordinary, are capable of the extraordinary.
It's Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair
Written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrated by Chase Walker
★ STARRED REVIEW – Booklist: “This vibrant picture book provides an inviting introduction to a courageous American.”
Space Medal of Honor recipient Ronald McNair grew up poor and Black in a leaky house in 1950s South Carolina. That never stopped him from dreaming big. From standing up to segregation at age nine to becoming a NASA astronaut, Ronald defied every boundary. He mastered physics, earned a black belt in karate, played the saxophone, and soared toward space twice! This inspiring biography shows young readers that with courage and will, they can achieve anything they set their sights on—no matter where they start.
Published by Literary Safari | 11in. x 8.5in | 34 pages
ISBN Paperback: 979-8999723147
ISBN Hardcover: 979-8999723130
Available worldwide through Ingram or through your favorite online booksellers including the following: Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and more!
BIG Stories
About the Storytellers
Author Rita Lorraine Hubbard | Illustrator Chase Walker
Author | Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Author Rita Lorraine Hubbard is the author of The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read; Hammering for Freedom; and African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes. Her books have won multiple awards including the Texas Bluebonnet Award.
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Illustrator | Chase Walker
Illustrator Chase Walker is a self-taught illustrator and artist. Born in Liberia, West Africa, his early life was marked by the turmoil of civil war. Surrounded by hardship at a refugee camp in Ghana, he found hope by making art in the sand. His artwork is part of the National Museum of American History collection.
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The Making of a Hero
Medal of Honor Recipient stories should be accessible to all age ranges. Our The Making of a Hero children’s books highlight the stories of 12 Medal of Honor Recipients whose actions exemplified courage, commitment, citizenship, patriotism, integrity, and sacrifice—values the Medal of Honor represents. Accompanying educational resources include a range of ELA and STEM activities designed for K–2nd grade students. Students will explore their stories, and, along the way, consider how they, too, can model the character values associated with the Medal in their own communities.
The Making of a Hero: Six Stories of the Medal of Honor
This children’s book highlights the stories of six Medal of Honor Recipients: Arthur MacArthur, Alvin York, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Ray Duke, Desmond Doss, and George Jordan.
The Making of a Hero: Six MORE Stories of the Medal of Honor
This children’s book highlights the stories of six Medal of Honor Recipients: Joseph Adkison, Ralph Puckett, Jacob Parrott, Paul Huff, Teddy Roosevelt, and Larry Taylor.
Curious About Our Literacy-Focused Field Trip for K-2nd Graders?
Beyond the Pages Field Trip Features:
- Literacy Focused
- Reading Stations Along Our Gallery Timeline
- Living Historians and Actors
- Character Values
- Kinesthetic Learning
- Courage Crafts
- Puppet Show