Amazing Kids of Character
Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA -- School Library Journal, 3/11/2008
Amazing Kids of Character (Series). 3 videos or 3 DVDs. 20 min. ea. (closed captioned). with tchr’s. guide, worksheets. Human Relations Media (hrmmedia.com). 2007. ISBN 978-155548-984-7. $269.95 ser. Includes: Portraits of Courage; Portraits of Empathy; Portraits of Perseverance.
Gr 3-6–This series focuses on three important facets of character–courage, empathy, and perseverance. Each segment features youngsters discussing the meaning of the particular character quality and three children who demonstrate the trait. Among the youngsters featured are Victor Chavira, who saved his father from drowning; Jenessa Largent, who made bracelets for troops in Iraq; and Ji-Yung, the youngest concert pianist to be signed by a professional agency. There are some graphic novel style segments, black-and-white scenes, and music, as well as the basic live-action presentation. Technical quality is fair, and narration is mostly clear with occasional unevenness when some children are speaking. Scenes such as a girl breaking wood with a karate chop create added interest. Counselors and teachers could use the series for character development units, while coaches and group leaders will find the perseverance segment helpful.
