Let's admit it: of all the ages of life, probably the hardest to get through are the middle school years. In a time when one is desperately trying to figure out who they are, one of the greatest fears for most middle schoolers is being a "nobody." Humiliation can be defined as being ridiculed for being different from the status quo, or perhaps worse, being invisible.

And the media doesn't help. From its portrayal, it seems that the epitome of being "someone" is being a tv or movie star or a sports celebrity. Glamor, glitz, chest thumping, and loud lives are depicted as normal and routine. All needed, the media likes to tell us, in order to be a "somebody."

As a teacher, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing impressionable, young minds being turned towards such shallowness. After teaching hundreds and hundreds of students, many who idolize such behavior, I find myself more and more drawn towards role models who are on the other end of the spectrum: people who are ordinary, simply going about their everyday lives, who suddenly decide to do something extraordinary--not for the fame that it eventually brings, but because they believe in a cause that is larger than themselves.

This blog is a compilation of books, websites, and films that celebrate those who I call Extraordinary People. Their stories are an inspiration--to put it mildly. Some of them are extraordinary because they endure hardship unlike anything any of us have ever known and yet refuse to lose their humanity and dignity. Others are extraordinary because they decide to follow their passions and ultimately display a genius that shines on for centuries. Still others are so because they find a cause worth fighting for and choose not to give up despite tremendous obstacles.

My hope is that in reading and listening to these stories and exploring these websites, middle schoolers will find role models who are truly worth emulating and discover within themselves the desire to become their best every single day.

Man on Wire directed by James Marsh (2008)


Viewing grade level: edited for school viewing-- 6-12

Film length: 90 minutes (unedited)

Film rating: PG-13 for brief drug use, sexuality, and nudity

Film summary and analysis: Especially moving since the Towers no longer exist, Man on Wire is the documentary of Philippe Petit, a French tightrope walker with the dream to walk between the Twin Towers in New York City. Planning with a group of friends for 6 years, Petit overcame incredible obstacles and did the impossible--and touched the souls of hundreds in doing so.

The film is rated PG-13 for brief scenes of drug use and nudity (Petit celebrating his success). I would recommend cutting these very brief scenes out (maybe for a moment of discussion) before finishing this very inspiring and beautiful film with your class.

Winner of two 2008 Sundance Film Festival awards and the 2009 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Additional curricular connections: the Twin Towers, tightrope walking, the human spirit

Links:
Preview the film at Magnolia Picture's website: http://www.manonwire.com/
To review & purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Man-Wire-Philippe-Petit/dp/B001E5FYS8
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