Improving the Quality of Life

Children's Literature

Human beings need four things to survive: safe water, nutritious food, clean air and suitable shelter. For many in this country, these are commonplace. However, many people in developing countries, and some people in this country, lack these essentials. Polluted air and water, poverty, war and less than adequate living conditions cause many people to have a poor quality of life. This book, one of the "Global Citizenship" series, examines what a global citizen, a person who takes an active role in his or her environment, can do to correct this problem. The book begins with what a human being need (such as clean water) and what a human being wants (such as health care). It then discusses problems developing countries face when trying to satisfy these wants and needs for its citizens. Throughout the book, four young hosts pop up with ideas on how readers can personally address these issues. Some of the ideas are easier to implement than others. The best feature of this book is the vocabulary. While reading the book seems like reading an oversized brochure at times, it does an excellent job of helping kids understand the news and the world around them. However, it ignores the fact that many developed countries also have poverty and pollution. 2004, Smart Apple Media, Ages 9 to 12.
— Heather Robertson