A Sample:
Trying to Be Better Than We Really Are
In 1946, when Avi, childrenÕs book author of Windcatcher, was a child, he loved comic books. He was also aware that wounded veterans of World War II loved comic books. Therefore, he decided to emulate some of his comic-book heroes who displayed the characteristic of selflessness by holding a comic-book drive for the wounded veterans. He spoke passionately at classes at his school, and a veritable cornucopia of comic books poured in. Unfortunately, once young Avi had the comic books that had been donated to the wounded vets, he found it hard to hand them over to a veterans hospital because he hadnÕt read them yet. Therefore, he went on a comic-book reading spree, reading them all the time he could. When his mother asked if he was ready to send them to the wounded veterans, he replied, ÒI havenÕt finished reading them all.Ó She asked, ÒWho are they are for?Ó Unfortunately, young Avi was too busy reading comic books to answer. Eventually, his mother sent the comic books to a veterans hospital while young Avi was at school. Young Avi then realized that he had been selfish and was therefore not suited to be a comic-book hero. However, he did receive a wonderful letter that told him, ÒAmerica is great because of unselfish patriots like you.Ó (Sometimes, we try to be better than we really are; although such efforts may result in failure, they ought to be applauded.)