These Rights are Your Rights
Book Details
These Rights are Your Rights
Nicky Parker / Amnesty International, illus. Sue Cheung. London: Andersen Press, pb, 978 1 83913 215 5, 2024, £7.99, 191pp.
Non fiction, illustrated book, 11+
With a preface by Angelina Jolie and a foreword by the Afghani journalist, Zahra Joya, this is a serious examination of children’s rights in which Nicky Parker calls on her many years of experience working with Amnesty International.
Each of the 15 rights is explained in detail, with examples of what each means in practice and of activists who have fought for the right for themselves and others. These rights are by nature complex so specialist words and vocabulary are used throughout and explained at the point of use. Children’s rights are based on the four Ps – Protection, Provision, Participation and Prevention of Harm – and the book argues the need for vigilance and assertion to make sure that they are applied everywhere.
The seriousness of the subject is lightened by humour, by cartoon illustrations and by a tone that is friendly and direct.
This is a very important book and should be in every school and can be used as a basis for curriculum development.
Review by Pam Dix