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.

Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman


Reading grade level: 5 - 8

Pages: 96 p.; chapter book

Book summary and analysis: One day by accident (and truly, by an accident), one ordinary railroad worker, Phineas Gage, became the catalyst for brain discoveries that would change the world forever. In a rather frighteningly sad turn of events, Phineas loses his life as he knew it while surviving a horrific accident--yet he soldiers on for another 11 years, making life the best he can despite his drastic change of personality. Unselfishly he submits himself to medical study, allowing himself to be used as a tool of research for doctors to gain a new (and MUCH better) understanding of the human brain. Filled with illustrations and photographs that will leave your mouth hanging open, this book is perfect for whole class discussions. While filled with great scientific data, the book ultimately focuses on Phineas himself as a person--and truly showcases how extraordinary he was.

Book includes: many color illustrations and photographs with captions, glossary, resources, index

Additional curricular connections: brain science, accidents, germs and bacteria, human personality

Links:
Scholastic book info: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/phineas-gage
To review & purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Phineas-Gage-Gruesome-Story-Science/dp/0618052526
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