Character is indispensable to a successful career and a happy life. It’s also essential to our liberty, because if a society can’t govern itself, then government must step in to police our decisions and actions.

Sounds pretty heavy, right? Well, the good news is that character is nothing more than the sum of our choices, and it is something every one of us has total control over.

And here’s even better news: this book gives us flesh-and-blood models-men and women whose choices and actions make them heroes.

The forty people Lawrence W. Reed profiles in this accessible, inspirational book are not the usual examples. Some are well-known historical and cultural figures, yes-but Real Heroes also features many remarkable people you have never heard of.

Reed ranges far and wide-from the distant past to the present; from the United States, to Europe, to Asia; from statesmen to scientists, athletes to inventors, entrepreneurs to theologians, and writers to teachers. Reed’s heroes include:

The nineteenth-century American educator who was vilified and threatened for daring to teach black girls The British politician who fought for decades to end slavery The courageous Cambodian who alerted the world to Pol Pot’s killing fields The Polish soldier who endured imprisonment in Auschwitz-and ultimately was executed-for leading the resistance against the Nazis

Concise and compelling, Real Heroes features a bulleted summary of key facts and takeaways at the end of each profile. This book will become a treasured resource for parents and teachers and a favorite of readers of all ages.