Hero Wanted
Children are so innocent, they truly need heroes, and being a friend to a child can make you a hero. Let this poem by Berton Braley be one that reinforces this thought!
"A child does not need a perfect hero, they need a steady adult who shows up with kindness and care."
Updated February 13, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
They say it takes a village to raise a child and we all need to set an example and be a positive influence for the children around us. As we all know children watch and learn from the actions of others. We have more influence than we realize on the lives of a child. And as the Poet points out, children need adults as friends - someone that they can turn to and look up to. A hero in their lives!
Hero Wanted
A boy's heart is a light heart,
A true heart, a clean heart.
A boy's heart is a right heart
If it has half a chance;
It’s leal and kind and tender
A knightly and a keen heart
That glows with fire and splendor
And thrills with high romance!
A boy's way is a lithe way,
A brave way, a strong way,
He takes his gay and blithe way
Amid the worldly throng
A-seeking for adventure
And if he goes the wrong way
Not his should be the censure
But those who lead him wrong.
A boy loves strength and vigor
Of mind and of sinew
He wants life braver, bigger
With more of zest and joy.
You must be fine and real
And give the best that's in you
If you'd be friend, ideal,
And Hero to a boy!
Another short poem about what children need, by Poet, Olive G. Owen. The poetry reminds us that a child in the generation of tomorrow and how important it is that we protect and guide our children.
A Child
A child am I, yet in me lies
Part of the future of the race.
A child, in whom the good- and ill
Of ages past have left their trace.
A child, with right to dream and play,
To grow just as God's flowers do.
A child, look deep within my eyes
And you can read God's message true.
Protect me now, that I may keep
The Flag of Freedom floating high;
Protect me, that the alter fires
Of Truth and Justice may not die.
Protect me, for the Master said,
"Let little children come to Me.
And yet whate'er ye do to them,
Ye do it also unto Me."
Protect me, ye of larger growth,
Hear my appeal. Please take my hand
And lead me safely through the days
Of Childhood into Grown-up Land.
Key Reflections
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A child needs more than rules, they need a role model.
In Hero Wanted, Braley reminds us that boys and girls watch closely. When they see honesty, patience, and respect in an adult, they learn what strength really looks like.
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When a child goes the wrong way, look for who is leading.
The poem points out that it is not fair to blame a child for every mistake. Adults shape the path by what we praise, what we ignore, and what we allow.
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Be the kind of friend a child can trust.
A hero does not have to be famous. A hero can be an adult who listens, keeps promises, and makes a child feel safe enough to ask questions.
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Children want life to feel bigger, brighter, and brave.
Braley says a boy loves strength and vigor. That is a reminder to bring hope, courage, and good energy into a child’s world, even on ordinary days.
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Give the best that is in you.
The line about being “fine and real” is a challenge to live with integrity. Children can spot pretend fast, but they respond to sincerity.
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Protection is also guidance.
Olive G. Owen’s A Child adds a strong message. Protecting children includes teaching truth, justice, and respect, so they can grow into adults who do good.
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Small actions can become lifelong memories.
A kind word, a steady example, or a moment of attention can stay with a child for years. What feels small to us can feel huge to them.
Popular Pages
If you enjoyed these poems about guiding and protecting children, these popular pages offer more encouragement, examples, and uplifting words to share.
Conclusion
A hero to a child is often an everyday person who chooses to be patient, fair, and present. These poems remind us that children need adults who lead them well, protect their innocence, and guide them with truth and kindness. When we offer a steady example, we help a child grow with hope and confidence, and that impact can last for a lifetime.
Find more encouraging poems at Famous Poems of Encouragement
"The greatest gift we give a child is not just protection, it is a good example they can follow."