Miranda

(http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us/northeast/library/j...)

A hero doesn't need super powers, a costume, or gadgets to be a hero. There are many things that make a hero a hero. They should be responsible, brave, caring, willing to do what's right, and be able to solve problems. They don't have to have all these traits but a few at least. Overall a hero has to be a good person.

I think it is important to have a hero for a few reasons. One is that it gives you a role model. They are an example of a good person and someone you may like to be like. Another reason is that if you have a good hero you will try to be like them and that can keep you out of trouble for the most part. Finally, heroes are people who inspire other people to try to be better so it's good to have your own hero to inspire you.

I picked Miranda as my hero from the book. She meets some of the traits i think a hero needs. She can problem-solve like in the book she is trying to solve how the laughing man knew what he did and when she gets to a conclusion it said this, "none of this makes sense?" my brain yelled. "But all of it is true," i answered(Stead 189). This shows that she was still able to solve the problem even when her common sense didn't agree with her answer. Another trait she has is that she is willing to do what's right. This was shown when she ran to Marcus's class room and yelled urgently, "I need Marcus!"(Stead 173). This was in an attempt to get him outta class before the cops came and got him for something he didn't do. Another example of her doing the right thing was when she walked up to the homeless laughing man and asked, "You want a sandwich?"(Stead 114). This was the right thing because she gave up her lunch to the homeless. It is for these reasons i chose her as my hero.

Miranda should be inducted into a hero hall of fame. She didn't do anything good on a large scale like some heroes, but she did have an impact on a few people's lives. Also she displays some of the traits of a hero, like being able to do what's right and problem solve. Another reason she should be inducted is that she cares about people. Throughout the book she does nice things for a lot of people. She even makes a truce with a stuck up girl for the sake of one of her friends. Overall she is a good person with heroic traits and that's why she should be inducted.

I did a interview with Miranda. The following conversation is that interview.

Me: So Miranda who is your personal heroes?

Miranda: Well my personal hero is my mom.

Me: Why is your mom your hero?

Miranda: She is always trying to do what's best for me and cares about me a ton. She would do anything to help me if i needed it.

Me: Do you have any other heroes other than your mom?

Miranda: I guess my mom's boyfriend Richard because he's a nice guy and is caring but is also quick so say he's not perfect by pointing out his legs aren't the same length. That is kinda cool that he won't say he's perfect.

Me: So, Miranda what do you think makes a hero?

Miranda: I think a hero is someone who is good, does the right thing and is always trying to help other people, like my mom.

Me: Why do you think a lot of people's heroes are different? Why isn't there just one person everyone sees as a hero?

Miranda: Well not everyone can know one person and also everyone usually is looking for something different in a hero. Some people want a big tough guy while someone else might want someone soft-spoken that still stands up for what they believe in.

Me:Do you know of any famous people who are heroes?

Miranda: Martin Luther King Jr. was a hero. He stood up for what he believed in in front of the whole country, even though it was dangerous. That is very heroic.

Me:Do you try to be a role model for people you know?

Miranda: I never really thought about it. Although now that you've brought it up I think i will try to from now on. It sounds like a good idea.

Me: Do you think that to be a hero you have to look like one?

Miranda: No, i don't think that how you look affects it.. The laughing man is now one of my heroes and he looked like a dirty gross hobo. I mean he was one but that helps prove my point. How you look has nothing to do with if you're a hero or not.

Me:Can someone's background affect if they are viewed as a hero or not?

Miranda: I think it can. If someone was in jail once, people might have a hard time seeing them as a hero. It depends on what they've done.

Me: My last question is, do you think anyone can be a hero?

Miranda: Yes, I think anyone can be a hero if they try to be one. If someone tries to be a good person and inspire people, there is a chance that they might become someone's hero. All you have to do is try to be one.

Me: Thank you for your time.

Miranda: Your welcome.