“We are the world's children.” Gabriela Arrieta, 13, Bolivia.

In 1989, the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child declared that all children have basic human rights regardless of race, sex, religion, or any other status, and that they needed to be informed of their rights. Promises were made to children that their rights would be honored; yet the majority still lives in poverty, goes to bed hungry, and is denied education. Millions are victims of violence, war, exploitation, and abuse; girls are especially vulnerable. One child in five dies from preventable causes. Children want leaders to live up to their commitments. Children want change. They want to be heard! 

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Curriculum Themes:  Social Justice; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;  Millennium Development Goals; 

Global issues: child exploitation, child soldiers, child labour, trafficking;  universal education; poverty; health, sanitation, HIV/AIDS;  aboriginal, juvenile, and environmental justice; refugees and unaccompanied minors, gender, racial, disabled equality; Peace, non-violence, bullying; citizenship 


Character Education: Courage, Kindness, Compassion, Respect, Empathy; Feeling deeply, acting responsibly and wisely, thinking critically; volunteering, activism, working together, making positive choices, the power of youth, the power of one, optimism. 

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Praise for Our Rights:

Our Rights is for any teacher looking to inspire children to be aware of and do something about injustice to children within the global community. Readers of all ages will be impressed and awed." - EFTO Voice

This collection of short, factual biographies is well-written and documents the activism of children from far and near (e.g., South Korea, Philippines, Yemen, and the United States). It concretely demonstrates that children are making, and can make, positive changes in their worlds while fighting for and actualizing their rights. Thus, the book is inspirational as well as aspirational for young people—especially those in grades 3-8." - CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Wilson includes beautiful paintings and photographs of the featured children, and six pages of information that will inspire youth to take their own stand against injustices they see or have experienced." - Resource Links

An introduction to the positive action kids are taking globally to improve the lives of children everywhere. Colorful sidebars feature other kids in action, while 'Kids Take Action,' 'Kids Create' and 'What Youth Can Do' sections provide more examples of youth empowerment." - Kirkus Reviews

Although most students are likely to be aware of problems such as hunger, bullying, and the effects of natural disasters, Our Rights will open their minds to the existence of many more. Topics include gender and caste systems in India, inadequate schools for indigenous children in Canada, and child slavery in Sri Lanka." - School Library Journal