Customer Reviews

A Life Like Mine

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a spectacular masterpiece from UNICEF. It not only shows life for 18 or so children from different parts of the world but give invaluable information about what children need to survive and what people are doing to ensure that all children get these needs fulfilled. The whole book is divided into 4 main chapters, Survival, Development, Protection and Participation. At the beginning of each of those chapters, is a definition of the word and basic ideas under those. E.g. Survial, definition, Water, Food, Home and Health.

Then each of those is investigated more deeply. Water is first, after the introduction we see how much water most of us in North America use and how much water some countries have to manage with. Also reasons why some places don't have enough (clean) water. Then it's the story of children in a few places and how and where they get water from. Then it's the personal story of one child, with water as it's main theme. This setup is continued throughout the book using topics such as food, health, development, education, playing, war, child labour, disabilities, feelings, religion, name, nationality and freedom of expression. This is an awe inspiring and humbling book that I recommened to all who work with children and all who care about children the world over.

I love the format of this book. Rather than being structured around regions of the world (like most), it is formatted around basic human needs--clean water, healthy food, safe home, education, protection, love, an identity, freedom of religion and expression, etc... In the course of that, specific children from various countries are profiled throughout, with a focus on how that particular need is being met in their own life. The book is visually appealing, with a very reader-friendly lay out--well organized, colorful, and packed with beautiful photos. This book is perfect for kids and adults alike. It also handles tough issues such as exploitation of children through work and war sensitively, yet clearly. I bought this book to use in teaching a geography/world cultures class, along with several others, and this one really stands out!

This book is made for us and our children to think, to think about how lucky we are to have running water and how others don't have that luxury. I feel it's important to give our children a global out look and to see how other children live. This book is broken down into several parts and within each part they give lots of interesting facts, some you might already know about and other facts that just might surprise you! The 1st section is on Survival.

Survival -
1. Every Child should have water that is safe to drink close to their homes.

2. Every Child should have enough nourishing food to eat so they can grow & thrive.

3. Home should be a place where every child can feel comfortable and safe.

4. Every child have access to health care in order to lead a full & active life.

2nd section is Development: Education and play.

The 3rd section is Protection:
1. Every child should have someone to love and care for them.

2. Every child should be protected from work that could harm or exploit them.

3. Disability should not prevent any child from participating fully in life.

4. Children need protection from the fighting and destruction of war.

4th section:
1. Every child has the right to an identity, including name, nationality and religion.

2. Every child has the right to freedom of expression.

3. A good life, lived to its full potential is the right of every child.

The children in this book come from Unites States: Georgia & Washington. There is a girl from England, Columbia, Yugoslavia, Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Netherlands, Afghanistan, Sudan, Laos, South Africa, Rwanda, India, Bangladesh, & Australia. The 1st pages after the contents page shows where on the map they are from and what page to find them. I think this is an awesome book for older children. Every school and public library should have a copy.

I was very impressed with this book and how well it provoked empathy in my triplet six year olds. A great picture reference without the doom and gloom to help children appreciate what they do have and distinguish between "needs" and "wants".

Childrens hopes and needs are the same around the globe even if the children speak different languages, experience different cultures and dress in various ways. This UNICEF book is a beautiful reflection of multicultural children and offers insights about parts of the world where basic childrens rights are not met.

This is a wonderful book for teaching global awareness and the necessity for community involvement...

What a great book! The kids loved this (7 & 10) and wanted me to read it every night until it was finished. Gave several as gifts. Very educational and interesting to learn about other children in other cultures. Good job - educational and enjoyable!

THIS WAS A WONDERFUL BOOK IT SHOWS HOW KIDS LIVE ALL AROUND THE WORLD
Look at the subject first then read on. I learnt a lot reading this how kids live around the world. The pictures really good. I feel what reading level they say on the website was good, but good be read by young adults and adults as well. Thank you.

I ordered this book for my kids for Christmas, and not only my kids were loving looking it over, but all of the adults in the family too! It opened up a lot of discussions about the different ways people in the world live, and how fortunate we are to have what we do.

My toddler loves this book, we get to sit down and he asks questions about all of the different things the kids are doing. Very good book about different kids and their cultures

I bought this book for my kids, but ended up donating it to our library. If your kids are homeschooled or unvaccinated, you may not care for the overemphasis on the importance of school and vaccinations as basic rights for children (rather than education and health in a more inclusive manner).