Dreams of Freedom

Illustrations from artists including Ros Asquith, Barroux, Shane Evans, and Peter Sis combine with quotations about the many forms freedom can take from Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, and others, creating a kaleidoscopic vision of what a just world might look like. "I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is an education," reads a quote from Nobel Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai, as Roger Mello offers a birds-eye view of a girl reading on the bow of a boat. Beside a quotation from Harriet Tubman, Mordicai Gerstein pictures a dark-skinned woman stepping out of a black forest of chains, thorns, and a noose into a verdant field filled with birds and flowers. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Amnesty International. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

Gr 2-6--This title offers a series of quotes from writers and human-rights champions, loosely arranged around the theme "Dreams of Freedom." Each selection occupies a spread and is accompanied by art from an internationally acclaimed artist. For example, "Freedom to be a child" is illustrated by Birgitta Sif and depicts a child's bedroom at night, with two youngsters in a tent reading by lantern light. Mikhail Bakunin's accompanying quotation reads, "Children are neither the property of their parents nor even the world. They belong only to their own future freedom." "Freedom to Learn" pairs a Malala Yousafzai quote ("I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education and I am afraid of no one.") with Roger Mello's illustration that shows an overhead view of a child reading a book with a monkey on the prow of a large ship in the midst of a fantastical sea of colors. While there is no real narrative, the pairings provide a landing place for readers to stop and consider the message the words contain. A foreword touches on the mission and the purpose of the book (all proceeds will be donated to Amnesty International), and there is a brief biography for each writer and illustrator. VERDICT While not an essential purchase, this inspirational title is a worthwhile selection for large collections.--Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

There is much here to inspire children and adults, and many complex issues and emotions to discuss.