Gabe loves to play soccer. He's not the best player on the team, but he is the heart of the team. Read how the team comes together through adversity and triumph. The Heart of a Leader is the first book in the Be the Weight: Little Lessons for Big Leaders series, which inspires children to grow into courageous, kind, and capable leaders. Based on the principles of Be the Weight Behind the Spear, each beautifully illustrated story explores a core trait—leadership, integrity, empathy, and service and helps children discover that true leadership begins with doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey is a best-selling, award-winning author, Emergency Physician, and proud Air Force commander. With over 20 years of service, he’s dedicated his life to helping others—both in the emergency room and in the field. His book Be the Weight Behind the Spear earned a 2025 Telly Award and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for its inspiring message of leadership and hope. Josh lives in Apex, North Carolina, with his wife, Elsa, and their three children. Together, they work to inspire the next generation of kind, confident, and courageous leaders. “Teach your children about standards and expectations. Teach them to look you straight in the eye and tell the truth.” —Coach Krzyzewski, Fomer Duke University Basketball Coach Presentation at Duke University, Dec.15, 2016 Illustrator, Yakovetic has illustrated and art directed over 50 childrens’ books, plus book covers, paper dolls and coloring books. Recently releasing a “Stitch” color by number coloring book. Immediately out of college, NBC Studios hired him, creating art for “Dick Van Dyke & Co.” “The Tonight Show” “Diana Ross Special,” game shows and Courtroom Sketching for the News. An award-winning set and costume designer, Yakovetic has worked on film, stage, ice shows and theme parks including: Disney On Ice 2025, Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. For more information visit www.yakovetic.com.
Dr. illustrated Josh byMcConkey Yakovetic
Dr. Josh McConkey illustrated by Yakovetic
Be The Weight: The Heart of a Leader by Dr. Josh McConkey illustrated by Yakovetic copyright ©2026 Dr. Josh McConkey All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books. To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 mybook@headlinebooks.com www.HeadlineBooks.com Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781958914892 Library of Congress Number on file with the Library of Congress
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To the weight behind my spear— Elsa, Luca, Gabriel, and Alexandria. You are the quiet strength in my heart, the light that steadies my path, and the reason I press forward. May this book remind you that the truest leaders carry love with them always.