Kick off your winter with some books on children’s rights!
Lists of books that talk about Rights
1) We are all Born Free
by Amnesty International
Recommended Age Range: 6-10
About: We Are All Born Free teaches children in a child-friendly manner all of the rights that everyone has and is entitled to, as defined in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), using stunning drawings to highlight each right. This book teaches children about the fundamental human rights that we all share, regardless of gender or origin. From a young age, this book will help children recognize and understand how people should be treated.
2) For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story
by Rebecca Langston-George
Recommended Age Range- 8-11
About: For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story tells the story of a young woman who campaigned for education and was nearly killed for it. It’s the extraordinary story of a family uprooted by global terrorism, the fight for girls’ education, a father who championed and backed his daughter as a school owner to write and attend school, and courageous parents who have a deep love for their daughter in a world that favors men. Article 28 of the UNCRC stipulates that all children and young people, regardless of race, gender, or handicap; whether they are detained or refugees, have the right to education. For the Right to Learn highlights the importance of this right while also demonstrating that one person can make a difference.
3) My Little Book of BIG Freedoms
by Chris Riddell
Recommended Age Range- 3-5
About: In a world where our human rights are still not always respected, My Little Book of BIG Freedoms creatively explores and explains our Human Rights in a lovely simple expression of which children will be able to understand. It contains 16 sketches which encapsulate the freedoms and protections people enjoy every day, but never notice. They are simplified as: life, protection, freedom, safety, fairness, justice, family, belief, thought, togetherness, love, solidarity, ownership, knowledge, hope and mercy. It also shows why our human rights are so important–they help to keep us safe every day.
4) Running Shoes
by Frederick Lipp
Recommended Age Range- 6-9
About: Sophy’s secret wish is to one day be able to attend school. However, Sophy and her mother live in a destitute Cambodian village with no doctor, hospital, or school. Sophy’s life is permanently changed when she receives a pair of running shoes. The book, Running Shoes demonstrates that nothing is truly impossible when you have determination and perseverance. Article 28 of the UNCRC declares that all children and young people, regardless of race, gender, or handicap; whether they are detained or refugees, have the right to education. However, many countries throughout the world struggle to implement this right.
5)Yasmin’s Hammer
by Ann Malaspina
Recommended Age Range- 6-9
About: “Yasmin’s Hammer” is a captivating story about a young girl named Yasmin, whose family relocated from the countryside to Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, when their farm was flooded. To make ends meet, every member of the family must work extremely hard. Yasmin dreamed of being able to go to school every morning but it was almost impossible due to the poor condition of the family. The family, however, eventually worked out a method for Yasmin and Mita to attend school with much determination. The motivational narrative inspires primary and intermediate children to appreciate their education, as well as encourage children not to give up when things are difficult. Article 28 of the UNCRC states that all children and young people have the right to education, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or handicap