Designed for low-level adult learners, this book contains true stories of 20 men and women who have faced and overcome serious challenges in their lives. The book is intended to inspire and motivate developmental students in basic reading and writing classes. The book can be adapted to different instructional approaches--some teachers may wish to emphasize the discussion and writing assignments which follow each story, others may want to focus on the vocabulary and reading comprehension activities. Each of the book's 20 sections is prefaced by a short vocabulary list, which is reviewed in the vocabulary check portion at the end of each story. The book also provides a reading check, questions for thinking and discussion, and ideas for writing at the conclusion of each story. America's multicultural diversity is represented by those profiled in the book, and five to six photographs accompany each story. (CR)