Author Phyllis Peterson says she was inspired to write The Heroic Female Spirit after hearing her 2 1/2-year-old grandson say, "Daddy is strong. Grandpa is strong. I'm strong. But Mommy isn't strong." "I knew he was already having the culture influence his upbringing," says Ms.Peterson, who is a Baha'i, story-teller and author of Healing the Wounded Soul. "So I decided to write about women and girls as heroes."

The Heroic Female Spirit

Crafted over 10 year's time, Peterson's tales feature modern heroes: They don't slay dragons; they help reshape the world. They celebrate their freedom to make choices. They recognize their strengths and self-worth. They detach from things of the world in pursuit of a higher self. And they make personal sacrifices for the sake of a higher aim.

A commentary and discussion questions following each story help readers pursue these themes -- as well as Baha'i themes -- that run throughout the collection: independent investigation of truth, the oneness of humanity, equality between men and women, the elimination of all forms of prejudice and virtues such as honesty, trust, love and kindness. Ms. Peterson makes clear these beliefs and virtues apply to males as well as females.

"This collection shows that anyone can be a hero. It helps males transcend the role culture has forced upon them as providers who have to meet with success at all times. It allows them to be human."