A Complete Guide for Young Heroes cover

The Hero Academy · Book 1 · Paperback available

A Complete Guide for Young Heroes

Big feelings. First dreams. Everyday choices.

Begin with the family’s early lessons in handling frustration, asking useful questions, pursuing goals, and treating other people with care. The story introduces the Hero Academy and the tools that later books build upon.

Faith-based stories and practical character-building tools. Read the parent introduction.

Build the foundation

  • Feelings and self-talk
  • Questions, goals, and deliberate practice
  • Identity, forgiveness, and relationships

Book 2 expands the journey into truth, resilience, stewardship, and community.

Compare all three books →

Inside the book

See the story and the tools.

Actual pages from the author’s current print manuscript. Layout or wording may differ from an earlier Amazon edition.

Book 1, story page, page 7; full text follows below
Story page · page 7 · Select image to enlarge
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7 Arc 1: The Beginning of a Hero's Journey Chapter 1: The Anger That Changed Everything The bedroom door slammed shut behind Ventre as she stomped inside, her face red with anger. What she saw made her blood boil even more. Toys were scattered everywhere like a tornado had hit. Her favorite stuffed animals lay on the floor, thrown from their special spots on her dresser. Crumbs from someone's snack were ground into her carpet, making dark spots that would probably never come out. "I HATE YOU ALL!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, not caring who heard her. Her whole body shook with rage. This wasn't the first time her brothers had destroyed her room, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. Hot tears started to fill her eyes as anger mixed with sadness. "I hate my home, I hate my family, I hate my life," she thought to herself. "Why can't everyone just leave me alone?" The house felt too small, too loud, too full of people who didn't care about her things. All she wanted was one place that was hers, one space where she could feel safe and happy. But even that had been taken from her. She kicked at a pile of broken crayons, sending them skittering across the floor. Her chest felt tight, like someone was squeezing her heart. The anger was so big inside her that it felt like it might explode out of her skin. "It's not fair!" she whispered, sinking down onto her bed. "I clean my room, I put everything where it belongs, and they just come in and wreck it all!"
Book 1, hero tool page, page 18; full text follows below
Hero Tool page · page 18 · Select image to enlarge
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18 Chapter 5: The First Assignment Hero Academy Rules 1. I will respect myself and others 2. I will never do anything illegal or immoral 3. I will be honest and true at all times 4. I will seek after good things 5. I will seek opportunities to lift up those who need it 6. I will never stop my search for knowledge and experience that can help me grow 7. I will understand that others' experiences have helped them to grow at their own pace 8. I will avoid violence as much as possible, and only resort to violence in defense of myself and others when all other options have been exhausted 9. I will never forget who I am, where I came from, or where I am going 10. I will always have a goal 11. I understand that I can only control myself

Bring the reading into your day.

Chapter 5: The First Assignment

The Hero Academy Rules

Read the story, then use the worked example and practice prompts to try the tool.

Chapter 19: The Evidence Binder

Creating a Dream List

Read the story, then use the worked example and practice prompts to try the tool.

Explore every Book 1 tool →

Read together. Practice together.

Add the Book 1 homeschool companion.

The published companion offers 21 parent-led lessons, discussion questions, reflection activities, and printable aids for use alongside Book 1. It is a separate paperback purchase.

Brandon Thomas Mysliwiec

Behind the books

A family at the heart of the Academy.

Inspired by his children and grounded in his faith, Brandon Thomas Mysliwiec combines fictional family stories with practical tools for learning, personal growth, and service.

Meet the author →

The story comes first

Bring the adventure home.

Read the full journey in paperback, then return here for free tools, activities, and reflection. Start with Book One and grow with the heroes.