Working Together Against Human Rights Violations

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Peck attempts to present the issue of human rights in a simple and clear manner. Introductory excerpts from important documents, such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are valuable; however, they are not integrated into relevant discussions. The five chapter titles do not provide much guidance as to the book's content, e.g., ``The Past'' touches on Nelson Mandela and Rigoberta Mench as well as on historical figures. In the text and the full-color and black-and-white photographs, material is presented with very little supporting information. The author lists suggestions for discussion and activities, but students using this title in a school setting will need considerable teacher guidance. In some instances, the narrative simplifies to the point of misrepresenting historical events. In other cases, there is a tendency to be less than objective, especially with respect to the U.S.'s role in international events. On the other hand, Peck does cover a wide range of points that will help readers understand that human rights is a subject that requires study, research, and hard work. The titles on the brief list for further reading represent a wide variety of reading levels, some considerably beyond the level of this book.-Nancy E. Zuwiyya, Binghamton High School, NY