How is reading heroic?

Summer reading programs designed for kids and managed by local libraries like using phrases such as "Be A Hero-Read!" I disagree with that statement. Strongly. It is extremely dishonest to redefine heroism just to get what you want, and if what you want seems harmless and/or beneficial, people won't believe you when you call it heroic.

I have nothing against summer reading programs. But I am strongly vehemently opposed to calling reading a heroic act. Calling reading heroic confuses kids in regards to what it means to be a hero, and it's also disrespectful to those who are truly worthy of being called heroes.

I totally agree.

I read about King Arthur and wanted to be knight. I read about Robin Hood and wanted to overthrow tyranny. I read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and wanted to be High King Peter. I read about Batman and wanted to be Batman (and no one has ever seen the 2 of us at the same time and the same place). That is what I see when I see "reading being heroic". Encouraging children of any age to fall in love with reading is a great idea, especially when too many in our society can't read at all.

I'm glad the books you selected made you want to be a hero, but reading in and of itself does make a hero.

Naturally not. The phrasing doesn't point to being able to read automatically makes one a hero. its more nuanced. Consider "The Neverending Story", the child reading the book became the hero of the story. This is the takeaway from the phrase, "reading is heroic".😌👍

Not all lead characters in stories are heroic.