Stand for Children! - Hardcover

Gr. 5^-8. Adults familiar with Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will hear her voice in this picture-book call to action on behalf of children everywhere, comprising portions of a speech she gave at a rally for children's rights advocates. Her message of inclusion is appropriately carried out in the effective artwork. Yorinks has contributed collages of magnificent patchwork quilt pieces inlaid with photos of children and families from all walks of life. It is truly unfortunate that some of them have been swallowed in the binding. The audience for the book is unclear. The text seems addressed to children but is really meant for activists, and although the spirit behind Edelman's words will have wide appeal, her Christian spiritual viewpoint won't be relevant to everyone. Consequently, the book will serve best in a situation where grown-ups can provide young people with the context needed to understand the text's deep meaning and appreciate Edelman's passionate work. Helen Rosenberg

Grade 3 Up?Over 300,000 attended Stand for Children, June 1, 1996, in Washington, DC, where Edelman spoke eloquently on the importance of putting children first. Now that speech has been adapted and illustrated with pictures of Yorinks's beautifully designed quilts that utilize a wide variety of techniques including "photo transfer onto fabric." The photos chosen reflect an appropriate diversity of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and special populations. This politically correct coffee-table book has strength and integrity but little to offer a young audience. The adapted text wanders from "you, our children" to every child to "take at least one step for just one child." The impassioned message, the poignant prayer, and the dynamic quilts are all commendable. The work of Stand for Children is vitally important in our often apathetic nation. This book will find its widest readership among adult audiences.?Jody McCoy, formerly at Lakehill Preparatory School, Dallas, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.