Social Justice: How You Can Make a Difference

Children's Literature - Cathi I. White

How many people really take a close look at those around them and what is happening? Do they see the homeless? Do they see a need to help at a shelter? What about other social injustices in other countries? Do many people care what happens there? The young people in this book cared and had enough passion for their causes to take action instead of simply talking about the problems. Thirteen-year-old Tara helped to improve education in India and Sudan. Twelve-year-old Craig learned about a boy his age in Pakistan who was a slave and treated badly. Eleven-year-old Annie took action to help kids in the U.S. who had to leave their homes and all of their possessions behind during a crisis. These young people researched how to help their cause and get support from people for their ideas. They set goals and took risks in making their plans work. They were not afraid to stand up to help others in need. They put their plans into action, opening the eyes of others to see the problem as they did. They are all activists, who took action to make a change. Young people who read this book will be excited to see others who have succeeded and will be encouraged to carry out their own causes. Teachers could use this educational book to help start a project in their own classrooms. This book is part of the "Take Action" series. Reviewer: Cathi I. White