Cover Image: Stand-Up Guys

Stand-Up Guys

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Such a good lecture for children, boys and girls. I love biographies. you can learn so many things from the experiences of others.
I think this books is a good start in order to encourage children to read biographies.

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I read a lot of short profile collections. This is the first one I've read that approached the subject from the perspective of Christian faith. These are men who approached issues in the world through a Christian lens, taking the part of charity, honesty, kindness. A decent read.

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Stand-Up Guys by Kate Etue and Caroline Siegrist is an educational and inspirational read for children and even adults.
Each chapter focuses on a man that lived his life according to his Christian faith. The 50 men showcased in this book come from all over the world, with varying professions. It teaches children that anyone can be a stand-up guy, no matter who they are or where they live. Kate and Caroline have done an excellent job giving the younger generation a group of role models they can look up to.

The one-page chapters manage to include plenty of information, without losing a child’s attention. An accompanying illustration helps to bring the story to life.

At the end of each chapter, there are a couple of questions designed to make children think about how they can be a stand-up guy. The questions fit each story and are worded to encourage thoughts and actions. Kate and Caroline have written a book that shows children it is never to early to start making a difference.

The writing is easy for kids to read and understand. Throughout the book, kids will learn about inspirational men from the past and present. Some of these men may surprise adults. Legendary football coach Tony Dungee is included, along with musician Bono. Gary Haugen reminds kids that “you don’t have to star in action movies to take part in daring adventures and heroic rescues.” He echoes the message this book is trying to get across that you only need to pay attention and get involved to be a stand-up guy.

This book is for parents, teachers, and anyone else that wants kids to have positive role modes to follow throughout their lives.

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I'm pretty impressed with this collection of bios of men of Christian faith from different places, time periods, and walks of life. The vignettes are well-written and there's a decent amount of diversity. It's nice that the men seem to have been chosen for their compassion and outreach rather than their power and influence.

Out of the 50 men featured, 24 are non-American, 3 are disabled/neurodiverse, and 24 are POC (mostly black, a few Asian/Pacific Islander, one Native American, one Aboriginal Australian, a couple Latinx). No queer rep, which isn't totally surprising but still disappointing for an overall pretty progressive collection. Some of the men featured are white savior-y, and there's one random guy who seemed to be included for the purpose of proselytizing veganism.

Each bio ends with two questions meant to get the reader thinking about how to apply the lessons of that man's life to their own. The questions are well conceived, though they're definitely written in a way that assumes a privileged reader (e.g. "imagine what it's like to live in a country where Christians are the minority" assumes the reader doesn't live in such a country).

The art style for the portraits isn't my personal cup of tea. I think the "Who Changed the World" part of the title is pretty hyperbolic. But overall, this is a pretty great collection to inspire young Christians to live with love, mercy, and respect. 3.5 stars

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Stand-Up Guys By Kate Erie, Caroline Siegrist features inspiring stories of Christian men who have made an impact on their communities. This book features many important historical figures such as Eric Liddell and George Washington Carver. I highly recommend this book. It is full of fascinating information.

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A compelling directory of sterling vignettes, detailing men of faith from all over the world, both famous and unsung. This neat book celebrates the hard efforts of 100 Believers who love and worship God.
Highly recommended.

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