Human Rights Activist

Children's Literature - Susan Treadway

What do famous activists such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have in common? They all recognized inequalities in their country and devoted decades of their lives in the pursuit of justice. Brave leaders such as these were often in prison for years, but were not deterred from acting on behalf of oppressed peoples. In this addition to the "Get Involved!" series for young students, difficult social issues are presented using an appealing format that includes bright fonts and text boxes. Like the other books in the series, this begins by clarifying basic terms; a thorough vocabulary study should be a primary component of instruction when using this series. A section entitled "Why should you care?" is actually incorporated in the entire set so that responsibilities as a society are explained and reinforced. Critical areas are covered through first-person accounts called "Field Notes." Colorful photographs and historical notes tie concepts together. A list of helpful descriptive web sites is provided as well. It should be noted that adult supervision is recommended as children become more familiar with such emotional issues as "Right to be free," "Fighting Oppression," "Women's rights," "Children's rights," "Fighting genocide," and "In the trenches." Additional sections include "What you can do" and "Rights organizations." Some topics may be too sensitive for young audiences. Certainly, human rights activism may not initially trigger positive responses or create the genesis of new efforts to address problems. However, appropriate discussion, an integration of subjects, individual and group projects, and additional research would be worthwhile approaches. Through guidedstudy, teachers could use the books to facilitate an awareness of the greater societal good that people share. Being able to identify responsibilities as an individual and to a community is an important part of growing up. There are indeed emotions and complexities above a child's level, but introducing human rights to a wide variety of students is necessary and made easier through these books, which cover topics with care, timely guidance and a keen ear to participants' concerns. Silence hurts. Avoiding tough issues is not an answer. By learning all we can, "fighting against abuses makes the world a better place for everyone." Other books are Environmental Activist, Animal Rights Activist and Social Justice Activist. Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed.

School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—These books offer readers an important opportunity to become acquainted with a variety of social causes and to learn how to make a difference. In each volume, the first chapter spread defines the concept of being an activist, with reference to a specific cause. Animal Rights Activist discusses the differences between animal welfare and animal rights activists, related history, and such topics as vegetarianism, cruelty, and factory farming. Environmental Activist follows a similar format and, as in the other books, includes a chapter on noted members of the field, such as Al Gore, and student activists. In Human Rights Activist, the rights to life, freedom, and equality without regard to race, gender, religion, ability, age, or political opinion are discussed. There is no mention of discrimination with regard to sexual orientation. The central issue in Social Justice Activist is the concept of a society in which everyone is equal and receives fair treatment. Gender, race, poverty, homelessness, peace, and environmental issues are specific subjects considered. Each volume includes a short list of suggested Web sites that is introduced by a warning that they should be pre-screened by an adult—an unrealistic expectation and probably unnecessary with sites such as the World Wildlife Fund or the Sierra Club. Students researching animal rights may come across PETA's site anyway. These valuable works introduce new concepts and possible plans of action to students, but their presentation is for a younger audience than is realistic for the ideas discussed.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY