Norton Juster

For the first Hero, I chose one of my own first heroes: writer, professor, and architect
Norton Juster. His accomplishments are vast, but one of the works he's best known for is his 1961 classic kid's book,
"The Phantom Tollbooth".
Now past its 50th printing, this book has inspired multiple generations of kids to enjoy learning through the perspective it conveys with humor and beautiful wordplay.

I am a large fan of this work.
I also believe in its ability to promote an interest in learning and applying knowledge in kids.
I believe in the idea enough to found a project (The Novel Approach: Reader Nation) to distribute and facilitate it's distribution (and other books that promote the love of learning )free of charge to kids. At the moment this is a very small venture, but I believe in in it enough to fund it myself so far, though hopefully as I promote it and it gets bigger other people will give and suggest books.
I am preparing a letter of explanation and asking permission to honor him this way publically, and also to ask for better information from him about how he'd prefer to be portrayed, his perspective on his work and the world ,and what he feels his legacy is.
He seems a very warm, funny, and intelligent man,and I must admit, like some of my other
Heroes, it has given me comfort during my lifetime to know that he exists or at least has at some point in history.
Pending Mr. Juster's permission to use his name this way, here is more information about him:
wikipedia entry
Powell's.com interview Powells is one of the best bookstores in the world anywhere.
Eternally huge props to them and their many faceted operation, a virtual bibliographical octopus!
I'm jealous of anyone who lives within driving distance of any of their stores.
Especially this one.

Howdy Folks and Nice to know ya!

Greetings and Salutations ! I am Cousin Leopold, no doubt you've heard of me, I've ranged here and there, far and wide, up and down and I've talked to at least a few of you.
This Blog is for you. and you, too! and all of you over there!
This Blog is to honor people who have done great things for us and the world,
a pantheon of undersung heroes.
You may have heard of them, but if you haven't you will, and hopefully if you have , you'll find out something new.
All my life, certain people have stood out.
People who have inspired me with the paths they've taken, and the way they used what they were given.
Some for the passion of their work, some for the depth of their understanding.
These are folks who deserve respect and admiration.
Each story is different, so keep reading, and you'll see how each has earned their place in history.