OUR RIGHTS

An introduction to the positive action kids are taking globally to improve the lives of children everywhere.

Opening with the text of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this call to action profiles 10 kids standing up for these rights. In India, Anita’s a UNICEF poster girl for eradicating gender bias. Filipino Emman created a kids’ rights coloring book used in schools. In the United States, Dylan mobilized kids over the Internet to reduce global poverty, and Zach walked thousands of miles to raise money for the homeless. In Yemen, Nujood’s book exposed forced early marriages. In Canada, Shannen challenged Parliament to build a new school for indigenous people, while Cheryl founded a nonprofit to halt commercial exploitation of children. Brazilian Mayra organized peace marches to reduce police violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ndale works to eliminate child soldiers. South Korean Han-wool makes videos to raise awareness about school bullying. Each profile includes text, quotes, photos and a muddy-looking full-color portrait. Colorful sidebars feature other kids in action, while “Kids Take Action,” “Kids Create” and “What YOUth Can Do” sections provide more examples of youth empowerment. While lacking textual cohesiveness, this anecdotal collection could inspire kids to make a difference.

A useful, if not artful awareness tool