Stephen Covey said, “We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” This quote is proven true in two books: Chico of the Andes by Christine Von Hagen and Gabriel and the Hour Book by Evaleen Stein. Although the main characters of the books – Chico and Gabriel – have many differences, they both face similar challenges that make them stronger in the end.

One of the challenges that both Chico and Gabriel face is being poor. Neither of the boys’ families have much money. However, neither of the boys complains or has a bad attitude about his circumstances. Instead, they work hard to earn it. With every trial that we have, we can complain and have a negative attitude, or we can have a good attitude and do the best with what we have.

Another challenge that both Chico and Gabriel face is needing to solve a problem that has to do with their parents. For Chico needs to find his parents and Gabriel needs to free his father. They both make great efforts to solve these problems, and are at first disappointed. Yet in the end both boys have a happy resolution to their problems.

I feel this essay would not be complete, if thy did not mention that not only these characters have trials we all do. If we work hard and wait on the Lord, we can always get through our trials.