Our Rights: How Kids are Changing the World
Janet Wilson, Author and Illustrator
Second Story Press, Nonfiction, 2013
Suitable for Ages: 7-10
Themes: Children, Social reformers, Human rights workers, Civil rights workers, Children’s rights
Opening: “The star thrower is one of a galaxy of bright stars — children who are part of a powerful and growing force daring to create a better world by standing up and speaking out for their right to be treated equally, to live in dignity, and to have their opinions respected.”
Synopsis: Everyday children around the world are standing up for their rights and making a difference in their communities. Meet Emanuel Bagual from the Philippines who fought against the bullies in the slums and founded Mind Your Rights to help reduce the cycle of abuse and neglect of children by teaching parents, educators and children their basic rights. Nujood Ali of Yemen escaped from an arranged marriage and went to a courthouse and asked the judge for a divorce, which was granted. Her book, I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced, inspired other girls to come forward to sue for divorce. She wants to become a lawyer and help other girls. Dylan Mahalingam from the USA started an online charity to raise money to fight child poverty. Anita Khushwaha of India became a beekeeper (male work) to pay for her for schooling and inspired other families to take up beekeeping. She became a role model for millions of girls in India. Zach Bonner of the USA collected water for the homeless following a hurricane — 27 truckloads.
Why I like this book: I will admit I am a fan of Janet Wilson’s books. Our Rights is packed with inspiring, true-life stories about children around the world who are standing up for their rights and daring to make a difference in their own lives, communities and world. These children are working for the rights of children in a peaceful way. Wilson captures their powerful stories in a double-page spread which features a warm and beautifully painted illustration of the featured child on the left and text and photographs about the child in action on the right. This is an excellent book to use during International Day of Peace, September 21. This book belongs in every classroom.
Resources: The book closes with “Kids Take Action!” and “What YOUth Can Do” to become activists. It will spark many lively discussions and encourage kids to think about what they can do in their communities. These children are our superheroes who will change the world. Janet Wilson is a well-known Canadian author and illustrator. Visit Janet Wilson’s website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Big Announcement: On Monday I will review PPB contributor Barbara Gruener’s new book on character development, What’s Under Your Cape: Superheroes of the Character Kind. There will be a book giveaway.
I am inspired. Children are so fearless and such an inspiration and stories like these make my heart sing.Children are doing fabulous work the world over, for example, children in India who must persuade their communities to move village because they live beneath a mountain that could easily slide on top of them due to Climate Change. Agencies, more often than not these days, work with children through school’s programmes, educating them, and in turn, children educate their parents who may never had shared such a privilege. Truly heart warming stuff.
LikeLike
I am always inspired by what children are doing to help help their communities. You are right, they are fearless. It’s exciting to know they will be our future leaders. Wilson has another similar book about children heroes due out soon. I’m excited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a remarkable and encouraging book. I hope it gets read by a lot of people.
LikeLike
It is a hopeful book and I hope that it is shared in classrooms everywhere. Wilson has written three books similar to this one, with a new one due out soon.
LikeLike
Best way to share this message is true stories, what a great idea. What inspiration for us all.
LikeLike
I always gravitate to these kind of stories. They give me hope as I think about the world.
LikeLike
Gandhi said it best: If we are to create a lasting peace, we must begin with the children. LOVE your pick this week, Pat! And your teaser left me super eager and grateful to read your review of my book on Monday. Cape Up!
LikeLike
Read your comment before I realized it was you. I was thinking — and it begins with teaching kids character and service.
LikeLike
Oh wow! This sounds amazing. We have been celebrating the launch of Laurie Ann Thompson’s book, BE A CHANGEMAKER at the EMU’s Debuts blog this week. It comes out Tuesday and is so related to this (for an older age group). When I saw the title of this book, I knew I would have to get my hands on it. Great review, Pat, and I’m so glad this is on the PPBF list.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you can use this book with older kids. I reviewed Wilson’s book Our Earth: How Kids are Saving the Planet (2010). She has another book coming out soon, if you are interested. Each book focuses on how kids are making changes. They are the best hope we have. Will check out Be a Changemaker.
LikeLike
I can’t think of a time when we need this kind of message more! Hurray for the International Day of Peace, September 21. Hope these stories inspire lots of kids to help change our world.
LikeLike
Yes, I agree with you. This is the time when we need books like in the classrooms. As Niamh Clune commented below, “kids are fearless and inspired.” I am so drawn to stories like this as I feel it is the most important message we can give children. They are open and compassionate.
LikeLike
I agree with Cathy! Looks like one I need to donate to a classroom!
LikeLike
That’s a great idea. There is another book coming out that I will review in October. I donate books like this too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds extremely well-done and awesome! 😀 It is cool to see kids doing very positive and amazing things!
LikeLike
I’m glad you like the book Erik. I think it is appropriate for older kids because of the details and the resources at the end of the book. I love to share books that inspire kids to service.
LikeLike
Great review Pat. Such an inspiring story. Kids these days are so aware of the world today it’s great to see them stand up and want to do something to help make a difference! Thanks for bringing it to us.
Look forward to reading what you have in-store for us next week.
LikeLike
Thank you Diane. You put a smile on my face with your last comment. I knew you’d like this book because we have similar interests in searching for and sharing books that show kids making a difference.:)
LikeLike
I saw Penny mentioned the other similar new book above. This looks like a great book to pair with it on the shelf. Can’t have to many good resources like this for kids. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I want to read Be a Changemaker. It sounds like a nice pairing with Our Rights.
LikeLike
It’s definitely for older kids. It’s not a picture book but an amazing book for youth who want to make a change. On my post on EMUs Debuts Thursday I had a link to view the first 25 pages if you want a glimpse.
LikeLike
Thank you. I’ll check it out.
LikeLike
Wow! What a fabulous book, Pat! I love that it’s all true stories of courageous kids who stood up to claim their rights – what wonderful role models! Thanks so much for adding this one to our list!
LikeLike
I’m so glad you enjoyed the review! It’s an important book to share with kids — the timing is perfect with international Dot Day and International Day of Peace quickly approaching.
LikeLike
Pat – trust you to find a gem of a book that uplifts children who are uplifting others. 🙂
This is a must-have, must-read book – thanks for the great review and for bringing it to my attention.
I’ll be reviewing Barbara’s wonderful book also – I think it will be next Saturday – did you know it just won the Mom’s Choice Gold Award? I’m so happy for Barbara. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m happy you enjoyed this book. I’m not surprised that you want to read it. And yes, I did know about Barbara.
LikeLike
This looks like such an inspiring book for young people. Thanks Patricia!
LikeLike
I hope that teachers use Janet Wilson’s inspiring books in their classrooms and encourage kids to look at what they can do in their own communities to make a difference.
LikeLike
I’m glad I’ve left my library hold list open while going through the list. This looks like a great book. Thanks Patricia!
LikeLike
Stacy, you won’t truly be inspired by Janet Wilson’s books.
LikeLike
Pingback: Our Heroes: How Kids are Making a Difference | Children's Books Heal