Using their individual selections of local heroes and philanthropists, the learners will create an anthology of narratives to be donated to the elementary or middle school library.

Anticipatory Set:
Ask students, “What is your definition of a hero? Do you have to be famous to be a hero?” Remind students that there were many everyday heroes on 9-11. They should explain their response to the question, “Do you know an “everyday hero? Why do you consider this person a hero?” Have the learners write for five minutes answering these questions.

• Discuss the responses to the Anticipatory Set. Then review the definition of a philanthropist with students. (In a civil society a philanthropist is a person who gives of his/her time, treasure and talent for the common good.) Again, pose the question: Do you have to be rich and famous, like Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey, to be a philanthropist? Have the learners explain. Ask if they know any philanthropists who are their friends, come from their school, are a family member or come from the local community. They should explain why they consider these people to be philanthropists.
  
  
• Tell students that you are going to read them a story about an everyday hero named Kate Shelley who lived in Boone, Iowa in 1881. Tell students that, before you read the story, they should check their American History and Philanthropy Timelines to see what events were occurring in 1881 in American history and philanthropy.
  Teacher Note: Use the timeline from Lesson Two: Hey Lady! Where Are You? This timeline is located on the learningtogive.org Web site. You will need to make a hard copy of the section of the timeline that relates to 1881. You may choose to make a transparency of this section of the timeline or run off copies for students.
  
  
• Discuss with students what events occurred in American History and Philanthropy during the setting for this true story. Review the definition of Industrial Revolution. This was a time in American history when goods were made by machines instead of by hand. This triggered the growth the factory system and many people made their living by working in factories instead of working on farms. Many inventions were made during this period in history. Tell students to pay attention to how the Industrial Revolution affected the people and town of Boone, Iowa in 1881. They should also be thinking about whether or not Kate Shelley should be considered a hero and philanthropist.
  
  
• Read the story Kate Shelley: Bound for Legend to the students. This will take about 25 minutes.
  
  
• After reading the story, ask these questions:
  
  
  • How did the Industrial Revolution affect the people of Boone, Iowa and the Honey Creek area in 1881?
    
    
  • What inventions changed the way people lived?
    
    
  • How did a railroad stop in Boone and the Honey Creek area affect the local economy?
    
    
  • What did many people in Moingana do for a living?
    
    
  • How did the railroad play a part in the economy of Moingana?
    
    
• Have students summarize orally or in writing what Kate did to benefit others in the story. Have students determine which core democratic value(s) Kate’s actions indicated that she valued. Ask, “Would she fit your definition of a hero or philanthropist? Explain.”
  
  
• Refer students to their Anticipatory Set responses about heroes and philanthropists. Tell them that their railroad ticket to leave the room is to write two paragraphs: one about an everyday hero and one about a local philanthropist. They should include in each paragraph their definition of hero and/or philanthropist and give a specific example of why they consider this person to be a philanthropist or hero.

• Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
  The learners should ask their families if they know of any everyday heroes or local philanthropists. They may share this information with the class at the next class meeting.