NEW ZEALAND parenting gurus Ian and Mary Grant have recommended introducing your children to heroes — people who have set out and achieved something positive with their lives who children can aspire to be like.

When I saw these books, which are just two in a series on people who have made a difference with their lives, I was excited to be able to pass these books and knowledge on to my children.

Ten Girls Who Changed the World includes a chapter on Joni Eareckson Tada, who became paralysed from her neck down in a diving accident. Her incredible faith, thankfulness for the blessings she still has and her ability to paint with her mouth has witnessed to many lives.

Corrie Ten Boom involved in the Dutch underground movement in World War Two, risked her life and ended up in a concentration camp. Her faith, courage and ability to forgive is something we can all aspire to.

Jackie Pullinger gave up much when she became a missionary in China’s Walled City. She even sold her treasured oboe to use the money to help someone in trouble.

Also included are: Gladys Aylward (missionary in China); Mary Slessor (who grew up in a slum with an alcoholic father); Isobel Kuhn (missionary in Asia who once questioned whether God even existed); Elizabeth Fry (worked among the sick, prisoners and homeless); Amy Carmichael (missionary in India); Catherine Booth (Co-founder of The Salvation Army) and Granny Brand (Missionary in India).

Ten Boys Who Made History includes chapters on: Charles Spurgeon (preacher and writer); Jonathan Edwards (revival preacher and missionary); Samuel Rutherford (Westminster Confession of Faith; preacher); D L Moody (evangelist and children’s worker); Martin Lloyd Jones (physician and preacher); A W Tozer (preacher and writer); John Owen (preacher and writer); Robert Murray McCheyne (preacher and mission worker); Billy Sunday (sportsman and evangelist) and George Whitfield (revival preacher and orphanage founder).

These Christian stalwarts were once young boys playing games and learning from mistakes.

Through these boys, values such as telling the truth, obeying God even through persecution, the importance of Bible study and questioning others if you are unsure, thankfulness and helping others can be learnt.

Both books follow through a story about each boy or girl from childhood until adulthood.

This is followed by a summary page providing facts, the keynote to the story, something to think about and a prayer. There is also a quiz — a great learning tool for children.