"Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas" by Meghan McCarthy tells the story of a skinny boy, Angelo Siciliano. Bullied as a child, Angelo decided to do something about his size. He worked out, renamed himself Charles Atlas and designed a course in which he told his pupils to "take charge of your life."

Everyone dreams of what they wish to become or achieve in their lifetime. But dreams don't come true just because we want them to. It is through hard work, dedication, careful planning and keeping our focus on the goal that dreams can sometimes become reality.

It seems to me that current culture often works against fulfilling dreams. We live in an instant gratification society and are fooled by the media into thinking that the "good life" can't be achieved without possessing an abundance of material goods. That's sad, because dreams don't have to be based on those things at all.

Today's reviewed books are good examples of characters that had a dream, and through their hard work, patience and determination, achieved their goal, and that makes worthy reading for anyone!

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Seeker of Knowledge — The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs"</B> written and illustrated by James Rumford; Houghton Mifflin; 32 pages; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Jean-Francois Champollion was born in France in 1790. When he was just 7, he was filled with an unquenchable desire to travel to Egypt and discover more about its ancient past. At the young age of 11, while gazing at ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that no one could yet decipher, Jean-Francois knew then that he wanted to be the first person to discover the key and read what the ancients had written.While scholars had tried to find an answer for years, Jean-Francois devoted himself almost entirely to the same quest. He was truly a seeker of knowledge, not resting until he had found the answer, and finally at the age of 30, he accomplished what he had set out to do.Outstanding illustrations provide the perfect backdrop for this magnificent story of a remarkable man whose thirst for knowledge enabled him to fulfill his dreams.

<B>Library:</B> Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City<B>Library Director:</B> Judith Pfeifer<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Patricia Pflug<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?"</B> by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page; <B>"Magic School Bus" </B>series by Joanne Cole; <B>"Arnosky's Ark"</B> by Jim Arnosky

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas"</B> written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy, Alfred A. Knopf, 2007, 36 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Angelo Siciliano came to America with his parents more than 100 years ago. At the time, he was a small and skinny boy. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, New York. There, he was constantly picked on by much larger bullies.Even when he was older, Angelo was thin and weak and a target for bullies. One day he decided to do something about his size, and when he did, he renamed himself Charles Atlas. From there, Atlas won numerous contests and designed a fitness course, aimed at more than just a muscular body. "Take charge of your life!" he told his pupils, and instructed them to eat right, keep your room clean, and wake up early. Atlas was determined to succeed and loved to inspire others, both of which he did.Entertaining, informative, and inspiring, this selection of "The World's Most Perfectly Developed Man" is excellent.<B>"Angelina's Invitation to the Ballet"</B> by Katherine Holabird; illustrated by Helen Craig; Viking, 2007; 28 pages; $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Angelina is a dedicated ballet student at Miss Lilly's Ballet School. One morning, an envelope arrives for her from Miss Lilly. When she reads what is inside, she can't believe her good fortune — she has won the ballet school charity raffle of two tickets to see "Cindermouse" at the Royal Ballet!Trying to find the right person to invite proves difficult. Then something really extraordinary happens, making more than one of Angelina's dreams come true.Boasting six special envelopes with letters, invitations and notes to read, this story of a young female mouse will appeal to young readers who dream of being in the ballet.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.