Book Details: Shaping Heroes
Shaping Heroes
Overview
Set in 1930s Rapid City, South Dakota, Shaping Heroes is a moving tale of ambition, honor, and the quiet strength of community. Ray Matthews is a rising star in American Legion Baseball with dreams of reaching the major leagues. When he’s offered a job at the Mount Rushmore Memorial, he faces a unique path—balancing hard labor with the hope of athletic glory.
Guided by his widowed father and mentored by the kindhearted Hilliards and his American Legion Coach, Ray learns that heroism isn’t about fame—it’s about character, sacrifice, and doing what’s right when it matters most.
Shaping Heroes is a powerful blend of historical fiction and coming-of-age drama. It pays tribute to American values rooted in family, service, and perseverance. Through heartbreak and hope, the story reminds us that true heroes aren’t always carved in stone—they’re shaped in the everyday choices we make.
Testimonials
Ratings & Reviews From Our Satisfied Readers
Shaping Heroes
Shaping Heroes makes a great summer read for baseball lovers, and really, anyone who enjoys a good story. Merriken has a wonderful way of putting the reader right in the middle of 1930s Rapid City, "in the shadow of the great monument."
Shaping Heroes
SHAPING HEROES entices both baseball and Mt. Rushmore aficionados. It's set in Depression-era Rapid City and Keystone, South Dakota, near a monument-in-progress, Mt. Rushmore. Note: You'll also like Merriken's first novel DREAM SEASON.
Shaping Heroes
Ms Merriken has woven a gem of a tale. Told with the backdrop of the men who formed Mt Rushmore. Each chapter begins with an aphorism from the four great presidents whose faces are carved on the monument. A parable of good, evil and the choices and sacrifices that make a true hero. It is a nice reflection from a time when morals and intregrity were revered more than money and fame. I whole heartly recommend this novel to young readers. An great gift, a pleasure to read and an excellent catalyst for discussion.
Shaping Heroes
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Shaping Heroes
Jumping Over The Moon
Dream Season
This book is very good. I like baseball and the topic of the book, it has history, sports, real life situations that everyone would love! A great read!