Craig Kielburger: Champion for Children’s Rights and Youth Activism. (Remarkable Lives Revealed). Linda Barghoorn. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2017. 32 pp., pbk., hc., & html, $9.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB). ISBN 978-0-7787-3424-6 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3420-8 (RLB), ISBN 978-1-4271-1919-3 (html). Subject Headings: Kielburger, Craig, 1982- -Juvenile literature. Children’s rights-Juvenile literature. Humanitarianism-Juvenile literature. Human rights workers-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Tanya Boudreau. *** /4

excerpt:

Since he was 12 years old, Craig has demonstrated that it is possible for each of us, as global citizens, to make a difference. His compassion and dedication have inspired others to become better individuals by reaching out to help people in need. He has united young people around the world in a movement for change. As you read Craig’s story, think about the qualities that have made his achievements possible.

Craig Kielburger: Champion for Children’s Rights and Youth Activism is meant to educate and motivate. Barghoorn describes Craig Kielburger as a humanitarian and a social activist. Snippets of his life are detailed from the time he was born to present day. Kielburger’s role models and early involvement with helping child labourers demonstrate to young readers how one person can make a difference. Chapter Two explains the challenges he faced (everyone thought he was too young) and how he overcame them (he decided to start his own charity). His experiences signing petitions, campaigning to get others involved, and travelling abroad are all included in this book. As Kielburger grew older, his charity’s mission changed to one of community development which included adopting villages and empowering communities through nutritional programs and farm training. This short biography concludes with Kielburger’s development of the WE Movement and identifies the honours he’s received for his work. Fun details about his socially conscious wedding are included, as well as statistics which shown how successful his charity has become worldwide. Back material contains a bibliography of books and websites, a glossary, and writing prompts which could be used in book discussions with classes. Colour (and labelled) photographs of Craig and his older brother Marc appear throughout the book, many appearing beside quotes and circular panels entitled “Think About It” which ask questions of the reader such as, “How is Craig’s charity different from other charities?” This book could spark an interest in many children because Kielburger’s passion is captured within the pages of this title in the “Remarkable Lives Revealed” series.

Recommended.

Tanya Boudreau is a librarian at the Cold Lake Public Library in Cold Lake, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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