The Brother of a Hero

The Brother of a Hero is a young adult novel written by Ralph Henry Barbour and first published in 1915. The story follows Jack Nelson, the younger brother of Tom Nelson, a football star who is beloved by his small town. Jack is eager to follow in his brother's footsteps, but he lacks the natural athletic ability that his brother possesses. Despite this, Jack is determined to prove himself and win the admiration of his peers. He begins to train tirelessly, seeking the help of a former football player to improve his skills. As Jack becomes more dedicated to football, he begins to neglect his studies and relationships with his friends. Meanwhile, Tom is offered a scholarship to play football at a prestigious university, but he turns it down to stay in town and work in his father's store. When Jack is given the opportunity to play on the high school football team, he feels immense pressure to perform and worries about living up to his brother's legacy. Throughout the novel, Jack learns valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and the importance of maintaining a balance between one's passions and responsibilities. Ultimately, Jack proves himself to be a worthy athlete and gains the respect and admiration of his community, including his brother.