This paper deals with the portrayal of heroes in children’s literature. Firstly, the concept of heroism is briefly introduced with its role in children’s literature. Then the focus is placed on individual protagonists from novels Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and their analysis in the context of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth. Finally, it compares both presented protagonists with a focus on the difference between the 20th century and 21st-century portrayal of heroism.