Abstract:

When choosing a hero for children's literature works, it should not be forgotten that the child identifies with the heroes of the books he reads, and the author/poet should pay attention to the characteristics that children can take as an example for the heroes in his works. Because children take these heroes with whom they identify as role models and their behaviors and characters develop in this direction. Choosing exemplary personalities from history as role models in the works is more convincing for children and has a greater impact on children's character. Our National Anthem poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy is one of the personalities who can set an example for children with his struggle for his country and people, and with his personality traits. Akif is an intellectual who has improved himself in many fields and serves his people in different professional groups. Throughout his life, as a poet, writer, politician, veterinarian, teacher, lecturer, preacher and hafiz, he has strived to raise public awareness and advance the society. In the study, it is aimed to reveal the situation of Mehmet Akif as a role model in biography books prepared for children. For this purpose, the biographies of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the Poet of our National Anthem by Osman Oktay, Mehmet Akif Ersoy by Eda Bayrak, and Mehmet Akif Ersoy by Recep Şükrü Apuhan, named Mehmet Akif Ersoy In Search of Freedom, were analyzed by document analysis. The data obtained are presented with descriptive analysis, according to the findings of the study, Mehmet Akif can be a role model for children in gaining character traits such as being fair, having national consciousness, hard work, honesty, patriotism, benevolence, unity-togetherness, humility, leadership, hopeful and brave conclusion has been reached.  

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