David

I was a giant block of white stone. I was very, very tall, taller than a grown-up. I lived in a sunny yard in a city called Florence. For a long, long time, I just waited there. The sun felt warm on my stone skin, but inside, I was sleeping. I dreamed big dreams. I dreamed of being strong and brave for everyone to see. But for now, I was just a big, quiet rock, waiting for my story to begin. I waited and waited for someone to find me hiding inside.

One day, a kind man with strong hands came to see me. His name was Michelangelo. This was in the year 1501. He looked at me and smiled. He could see the brave boy I was dreaming of, hiding inside my stone. With his special tools, he started to tap, tap, tap. It felt like a little tickle. Chip, chip, chip went the stone. For three whole years, until 1504, he worked to let me out. Slowly, my arms appeared. Then my legs. Then my face. I wasn't just a rock anymore. I am David, a boy who is ready to be a hero.

When I was all finished on September 8th, 1504, I was ready for the world to see me. Everyone in Florence came to say hello. They moved me to a big, sunny square right in the middle of the city. The children would look way, way up at my face and feel brave, just like me. Now, I live inside a special building where I am safe and warm. People from all over the world still come to visit. I remind them that even if you feel small, you have a big, brave heart inside, just waiting to shine.