Policy and Advocacy Books

There are parts of the book that are clearly written in the immature style of a teenager (colloquial speech) and parts that have been edited so much that they seem to come from an entirely different person. The overall book is choppy in terms of style, although the organization is excellent.

I would have preferred that the author articulate more clearly his emotions that accompanied his experiences. I would have hoped that his editor/professional writing mentor would have worked on making the story more compelling. I was a bit sad to get to the end of the book and not feel inspired. I felt like it was an "interesting story," but inspirational--not quite.

The captions below the photos should either not exist or tell additional information that is not contained in the text. I was annoyed to read a summary statement below the photo that I had just read on the previous pages.

It would be a good leisure read for high school students (or anyone for that matter), although as an example of good quality writing, I wouldn't suggest it.

A wonderful book that will give you a firsthand account of the situation surrounding child labor in South East Asia.

The Kielburger story is one of an incredible journey that he took as a twelve year old to explore the problem of child labor. The "journey" has continued since then into his discovery of the problem all over the world, in addition to his solution through his organization. They build schools, spread awareness through lectures (and their website www.freethechildren.com), inspire young leaders through their programs, and so much more. This is a story that needs to be told over and over again to whomever in hopes that the world can work together to "Free the Children" all over the globe. Get this book and pass it on to any one and make sure they pass it on....

Craig and Marc's stories are so amazing. I used to think that I can't make a difference in the world because I am only 14 years old. This book taught me that even the smallest of actions can create a ripple that affects more people than I can ever imagine. The ideas in this book are really quite simple, but when articulated so clearly by Marc and Craig, it just makes so much sense.

Craig Keilburger is an amazing man and is one of the Worlds greatest heroes. I have learned more from this book then any in the whole world. Even Social Studies!

After reading Fighting Immigration Anarchy, I could not sleep for three nights. I kept thinking about all that I had learned from Daniel Sheehy's book about what is truly going on in my own backyard and in the rest of America. The book tells what the our government and the mainstream media won't tell you about the seriousness of the illegal immigration crisis and how we are rapidly losing our country and quality of life. The book isn't just about what is wrong with our government's virtual open borders policy. The book mostly focuses on American citizen-activists of different races and ethnicities who have made a difference in the fight to preserve our borders and sovereignty. I have been truly inspired by these stories- and I plan to get involved myself. This book has caused me to wake up and take notice! I'm buying several more copies to give to my friends.

Mr. Sheehy's book presents current and continuing events about public patriots as well as unknown patriots - those who attend rallies, write to newspapers, call radio talk programs, join Roy Beck's fax writers to Congress, and in many other ways inform the public about the illegal alien invasion of the United States.

It's an easy read about the histories and daily activities of those featured in the chapters and their supporters. Every member of the U.S. Congress and Senate should be locked up in some hotel and not released until they finish reading this book. That goes for state legislatures as well.

Mr. Sheehy's book presents current and continuing events about public patriots as well as unknown patriots - those who attend rallies, write to newspapers, call radio talk programs, join Roy Beck's fax writers to Congress, and in many other ways inform the public about the illegal alien invasion of the United States.

Any person who believes these folks are nativist or bigots just by the title should read the book to learn about the threat to U.S. national sovereignty.

It's an easy read about the histories and daily activities of those featured in the chapters and their supporters. Every member of the U.S. Congress and Senate should be locked up in some hotel and not released until they finish reading this book. That goes for state legislatures as well.

Daniel Sheehy has done an outstanding public service by exposing
the Bush Administration's determination to keep the Mexican border open thus allowing illegal immigrants and terrorists to
enter the U. S. borders. The Bush rhetoric is old and worn as
Bush shows more loyaly to Vicente Fox than he does to the U.S. citizens. Californians Barbara Coe, Glen Spencer and other California voters began taking action in 1994 to get, what became Proposition 187, on the ballot to stop illegal immigration and the resultant burden on taxpayers, schools,
hospitals and jails. Even though approved by the voters, former Governor Gray Davis and former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo and others prevented it from becoming a law. Nothing
could be more basic to National security than closing our borders to unidentified people. Homeland security has been a joke because of irrational priorities and inconsistencies by the
Bush administration and now open borders. I am a former airline pilot and know many pilots who believe uninspected cargo is a great threat to airline passengers and crew and the ease with which an airplane can be shot down with a shoulder
fired missile. As a Naval Aviation veteran of WWII, a USAFR
retired Major and pilot veteran of the Korean, I believe our country is in great risk because of our weakened position by using our Reservists and National Guard to fight battles in far off Iraq when our troops should be guarding the borders here. My grandson is a U. S. Marine in Iraq fighting "insurgents", while illegal aliens come across our borders at the rate of over 10,000 per day--isn't it ironical? Daniel Sheehy is a fearless patriot, who has exposed what I believe is a national disgrace and which should be the concern of everyone.
Dr. Norman E. Witt (Ed.D.) UCLA--Class of 1969.

This book really gives you important facts about the threat of millions of illegal immigrants in this county. But I think the book should also talk about legal immigration. I am an immigrant from Germany and my goal was to become an American and leave everything else behind. I promised to never rely on any welfare and in all the past decades I never have. There are rarely people who recognize that I wasn't born here.

If you are familiar with the Giraffe Heroes Project (http://www.giraffe.org/), you will know of John Graham.
Stick Your Neck Out, his latest book,is one I recommend for
citizen activists (that's you, and me...Graham gives tools to help any of us stop complaining and take action).
This guide reads easily and is packed with helpful information and inspiring case studies. His suggestions are holistic and soulful, while still grounded in the realities and challenges of changemaking in today's world of polarized views. He advocates win/win solutions as optimal, but offers advice on how and when legal means might be necessary.
If you aren't already motivated to take action to improve situations in your neighborhood, community, country, or planet, Graham's sharing of his heart, experience, and optimism will move you to action. His message: take risks, be smart (by learning from his and others' mistakes), and yes, YOU absolutely can make a positive difference!

This book is easy to browse, and its advice is made more accessible though many anecdotal examples. A worthwhile investment no matter what your level of experience is in creating change. Above all, I found it a source of great encouragement every time I picked it up. I'm getting copies as Christmas gifts for friends, and keeping my own copy for reference.

It certainly has been the case for as long as I can remember. Stop and think about the community where you reside or about the organizations you might belong to. Isn't it usually just a tiny fraction of the citizens or membership who wind up doing most of the work? And the problem has become even more acute in recent years as fewer and fewer people are willing to even join civic, religious or service organizations let alone do any meaningful work. Having said that there are still millions of folks around our nation who unselfishly lend their time and talent to the causes they believe in. If you are one of these good people then "Stick Your Neck Out" is definitely a book you should read. Author John Graham, President of an organization known as the Giraffe Heroes Project has created a volume that is just chock full of practical advice and useful suggestions for those who see the value in getting involved. Among other things you will learn how to recruit like-minded volunteers, formulate a plan of action, negotiate with opponents, raise money and deal with the media. In addition "Stick Your Neck Out" offers a number of inspiring profiles of ordinary people who are out there accomplishing extraordinary things while working on a wide variety of issues. This book is especially valuable as a source of encouragment for those folks contemplating getting involved in such matters for the very first time. "Stick Your Neck Out" would be a great book to give to a graduating high school or college student. The message of this book is clear. Each and every one of us has something to offer. Whatever your interests or political persuasion the possibilities for making a difference are virtually limitless. In "Stick Your Neck Out" John Graham illustrates this point over and again. It is a book I can highly recommend!

You will find this book not only a source of very practical ideas, but also a rich and thought provoking read. Whether you want to organize a block party or spark opposition to urban sprawl, this book tells you how to be effective in organizing a social enterprise. But it is far more than a cookbook for project management. Interleaved with the no-nonsense `how-to' information, John Graham reveals the personal philosophy he forged and tested in his personal journey from his Viet Nam years to now. The subtitle `Service as the path of a meaningful life' hints at what you will find in the book's pages. It is great as a textbook for project planning, group dynamics, negotiation, and success. But it is also an inspiring guide for achieving genuine personal fulfillment.

The impulse to seek change in neighborhood or community comes from the heart, but even the most dedicated heart can falter when the head says "What was I thinking?". As one who has been in exactly that position, I can say that this book is for the head. It offers practical advice that will be useful to anyone who has taken on a cause, however small, to make the neighborhood or community a better place. The practical how-to's are presented by someone who really has been there and done those things, and illustrated by examples from other ordinary people and their work. And by showing the reader that he/she is not alone, the book works to encourage and inspire those who have taken on the risk of citizen activism (as differentiated from paid activism). The book is helpful to the activist because it can be read in parts and provides quick summaries. There is help here for that panicked "Oh my god, I just got my first call from a reporter" moment. Indeed, any weakness in the book is that length constraints caused some situations that would have been helpful to be left out. And read as a whole narrative, it makes an interesting and thought provoking tale of what is right (and wrong) with our country today-- a view from the trenches, not the think tanks. The book is a work of great optimism based on the premise that we as ordinary citizens can change the world one neighborhood at a time. We are doing it every day. The only question is, will there be enough of us?

Grossfeld is a master. Compassionate photographs of childrenin horrific situations. You haven't seen these images before. Thereare stories in their eyes. Check out the section in the back on how to change the world for them.

I have owned this book for a few years and turn to it again and again. It is filled with photos in black and white of children from various parts of the world who are on their last legs. For me the most touching image is opposite a foreward from Mother Teresa. It is a picture of an Ethiopian mother and a beautiful child waiting for food in a refugee camp. The child is skin and bones. The love between the mother and child goes straight to the heart. The caption explains that the child died later that day. In her foreward, Mother Teresa says that the "children in these pictures speak to us." Indeed they do.

If you read this book, it will change you forever. This isStan's best book to date.

Every child in these pictures asks questions. Why don't I have a home? Why do I live in a car? In this camp? Why is my mother crying? Why is everything broken? Why is the refrigerator empty? Why do I need help breathing? Why is the air so bad? Why did I die before I could grow up? Why am I in a coffin? Why are there so many coffins? Why must I be a prostitute? Who are these people who come to me? Who keeps the money? Who eats the vegetables I pick? Why do the chemicals make me sick? Who makes the money? Why is the only place I have to live in this sewer? Why do they rape me? Why do people think I'm bad because I sniff glue? Why do I have to work instead of going to school? Why did the soldiers try to kill me? Will my mother still love me even though I lost a hand? An eye? Why do I feel so good when I have this gun? Who paid for the gun? Who will I kill? Why ....?

Stan Grossfeld has mercy on us. The last two pages offer us ways to help these kids.

Read it. Meditate on it. Weep. Act.

I must first begin with admitting that I have not read this book, yet I still believe that my thoughts are applicable. Over the summer of 1998 I was introduced to Mr. Grossfelds work in the form of a lecture/slide show. He revieled much of the content of the book and explained his views on the subjects at hand. After the show by instict all I could do was sit alone and question my life, my social awareness and action, and appreciate what a wonderful life I was born into.

The photographs of this book document the aspects of our world of which we are less proud. During times where we are advancing phenominally, these problems can not be ignored. The making of this book is one important step to recognizing and addressing these issues. I urge anyone with any hint of social awareness, any hint of compassion, to purchase this book. The profits contribute to worthy fondations which give direct aid and make direct changes in the lives of those who are less fortunate.

Safe Streets illustrates why we cannot depend upon the government for our safety.

Trusting that the police will be there in time of need is foolish.

Equally foolish is to believe that new or existing laws will prevent a suicidal maniac from murdering your entire family at the neighborhood Mall.

This is our country and we must take responsibility for our own and our family's safety.

[...]I highly recommend Safe Streets to anyone who believes that the government will be responsible for their safety.

If you are a women, you need to read this book. If you are anti-gun, you need to read this book. If you do not know YOUR role as a citizen of America, you need to read this book. Mr. Longenecker reaches back into the era of our Founding Fathers, grabs the term 'Sovereign Citizen,' whips it back through time, places it squarely in front of our eyes and says 'This is who you are!' In the short span of 204 pages, he teaches us what our 'Fathers' knew and warned us about. He describes the theft of our authority to run our lives and how our 'abdication' has weakened our resistance to aggression and therefore has increased crime. I encourage all women to read this book to help you see the connection between freedom and the safety of your families and even your own body. Today, Freedom, is largely taught in the home. As women, that is largely our venue. It's in our homes that much of freedom's lessons are learned or not learned. 'Safe Streets' endeavors to point out the assaults on our authority as heads of households under the guise of some benefit 'for the children.' 'Safe Streets' clearly explains that The Second Amendment to our Constitution is NOT ABOUT GUNS! It is about freedom, and your authority to run your own lives, to manage your own household and keep your families safe. Who is the head of your household? You think it is you? Guess again. You're being replaced. 'Safe Streets' shows us how ever increasing government infringements on your sovereignty have and are this very minute stealing your freedom, authority, safety and wealth. And how to stop it.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns by John Longenecker is one of the first publications from his new Libertarian and pro-gun publishing company, Contrast Media Press. His hard hitting articles can be read at his web site called Good for The Country and have been picked up by numerous media outlets and web sites. In fact, they are always insanely popular whenever they are posted on various pro-gun and pro-freedom websites. If you enjoy Longenecker's energetic writing style, then you will definitely love Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns discusses how government enforced dependency is destroying the American spirit, our independence, and is actually one of the root causes of violent crime. Longenecker successfully shows how private ownership of guns does not only benefit gun owners. He shows how gun ownership combats crime, protects our liberties, and helps preserve the independent spirit that makes America the greatest country on earth.

It is a complicated theme, but it is also so simple that it should be common sense. The fact that it is somewhat complicated shows exactly how far we have fallen. That is where this book comes in. It was not only written for patriots, liberty advocates, and gun owners. It was written for the non-gun owner or anyone who a wakeup needs call. Hopefully, they will realize the enormous benefits that gun ownership has on society and that the fight to control our guns is not only about guns. It is about control.

This is one of those books that you truly have to read, because a few paragraphs in a review could never do it justice. However, I will hit on a few parts that really stood out.

The Gun Control Formula

Longenecker discusses how gun control is actually social engineering and is the blueprint for all of the attacks against individual freedom, sanctity of life, and the interests of the United States of America. In the book, you will learn how gun control is also a threat against marriage, religion, and many other parts of our everyday life.

Armed Citizens - Citizen Authority Or Vigilante

Longenecker discusses how citizens who uses a firearm for self-defense is acting on citizen authority and is not a vigilante. This section of the book is one that you may find yourself highlighting paragraphs so that you can use them later in a debate with an antigun co-worker or friend.

Victim Disarmament Zones

Longenecker discusses how Victim Disarmament Zones (also known as Criminal Protection Zones and Criminal Empowerment Zones) leave law-abiding citizens defenseless against criminals. He also discusses several recent incidents where innocent unarmed people were slaughtered in Victim Disarmament Zones.

The CPR Corollary

This part of the book is by far my favorite, and worth at least twice as much as the price of the book. Longenecker was one of the first paramedics in Los Angeles, and was on one of the first panels discussing bystander CPR. As a paramedic for large city myself, I could really relate to the concept of the CPR Corollary. In this section, Longenecker discusses how citizens carrying handguns is identical to citizen CPR prior to the arrival of first responders. He also discusses how many doctors and medical professionals initially opposed citizens learning CPR and wanted it left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and CPR was taught to bystanders. As a result, lives have been saved.
This is similar to concealed carry and how may law enforcement officials and government officials oppose armed citizens and want the responsibility for your own safety be left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense is prevailing again, and more states are either passing or improving their concealed carry laws. As a result, lives are saved.

Safe Streets in The Nationwide Concealed Carry Of Handguns by John Longenecker should hold a prominent place in your home library. It is not just a book; it is a tool that can be used to change minds and to help preserve our liberties.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns by John Longenecker is one of the first publications from his new Libertarian and pro-gun publishing company, Contrast Media Press. His hard hitting articles can be read at his web site called Good for The Country and have been picked up by numerous media outlets and web sites. They are always insanely popular whenever they are posted on various pro-gun or pro-freedom websites. If you enjoy Longenecker's energetic writing style, then you will definitely love Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns discusses how government enforced dependency is destroying the American spirit, our independence, and is actually one of the root causes of violent crime. Longenecker successfully shows how private ownership of guns does not only benefit gun owners. He shows how gun ownership combats crime, protects our liberties, and helps preserve the independent spirit that makes America the greatest country on earth.

It is a complicated theme, but it is also so simple that it should be common sense. The fact that it is somewhat complicated shows exactly how far we have fallen. That is where this book comes in. It was not only written for patriots, liberty advocates, and gun owners. It was written for the non-gun owner or anyone who a wakeup needs call. Hopefully, they will realize the enormous benefits that gun ownership has on society and that the fight to control our guns is not only about guns. It is about control.

This is one of those books that you truly have to read, because a few paragraphs in a review could never do it justice. However, I will hit on a few parts that really stood out.

The Gun Control Formula

Longenecker discusses how gun control is actually social engineering and is the blueprint for all of the attacks against individual freedom, anctity of life, and the interests of the United States of America. In the book, you will learn how gun control is also a threat against marriage, religion, and many other parts of our everyday life.

Armed Citizens - Citizen Authority Or Vigilante

Longenecker discusses how citizens who uses a firearm for self-defense is acting on citizen authority and is not a vigilante. This section of the book is one that you may find yourself highlighting paragraphs so that you can use them later in a debate with an antigun co-worker or friend.

Victim Disarmament Zones

Longenecker discusses how Victim Disarmament Zones (also known as Criminal Protection Zones and Criminal Empowerment Zones) leave law-abiding citizens defenseless against criminals. He also discusses several recent incidents where innocent unarmed people were slaughtered in Victim Disarmament Zones.

The CPR Corollary

This part of the book is by far my favorite, and worth at least twice as much as the price of the book. Longenecker was one of the first paramedics in Los Angeles, and was on one of the first panels discussing bystander CPR. As a paramedic for large city myself, I could really relate to the concept of the CPR Corollary. In this section, Longenecker discusses how citizens carrying handguns is identical to citizen CPR prior to the arrival of first responders. He also discusses how many doctors and medical professionals initially opposed citizens learning CPR and wanted it left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and CPR was taught to bystanders. As a result, lives have been saved.
This is similar to concealed carry and how may law enforcement officials and government officials oppose armed citizens and want the responsibility for your own safety be left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense is prevailing again, and more states are either passing or improving their concealed carry laws. As a result, lives are saved.

Safe Streets in The Nationwide Concealed Carry Of Handguns by John Longenecker should hold a prominent place in your home library. It is not just a book; it is a tool that can be used to change minds and to help preserve our liberties.

None of the CDC, the National Academy of Sciences, nor DoJ were able to find that ANY gun control reduces VIOLENT CRIME, MURDER, SUICIDE or ACCIDENTS in any significant manner.

None. There it is -- gun control doesn't work. No emotion, just science.

Obviously the NICS/Brady background check must do SOMETHING, right? No, it isn't even enforced on criminals so there cannot be any compelling reason for it:

Less than 100 criminals are prosecuted each year for Brady/NICS violations -- and the vast majority of these are because the authorities needed to arrest or prosecute a criminal but can't make the real charge stick, or needs a "predicate felony" for a conspiracy or RICO charge.

So gun control doesn't work and it just interferes with the right of every law abiding American to self-defense and to protect his/her family.

This books explains the evidence and makes the case.

Given the critical importance of social change today, it is stunning that most of the recent books on community organizing focus on personal reflections and sociological analyses instead of giving us the whole package. In "Stir It Up," Rinku Sen manages to squeeze a powerful vision, racial and social justice analysis, profiles of organizing groups, a detailed contact list of organizations and networks, and tools for creating real change into two hundred pages. This is a watershed book for the social justice organizing movement, illuminating the principles and practices that ground multi-racial, social justice, racial justice, and direct action organizations that have developed in the past twenty-five years.

If you are serious about systemic change that addresses the root causes of racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia, then this book offers you a framework and process for creating real change. Sections of the book go through the identification and selection of issues using a social justic lens, working with emerging constituencies, running campaigns and taking action, research, and, most critically, framing our struggles and organizations to address systemic oppression. Readers will get a clear sense of the unrelenting human movement toward freedom through profiles of extraordinary groups that continue to win both concrete change and a reordering of power in our society. Kudos to Rinku Sen for taking the time to describe the growth, development, and work of the racial and social justice movement to the world!

I really found this book both inspiring and realistic. Sen acknowledges the challenges (especially in today's political climate) but lays out what it takes to get the job done. Her practical, real-world guidance walks you through organizing your local community to help achieve change and get results on the issues you care about.

Passion & pragmatism don't always come together in community organzing -- kudos to Ms. Sen for showing us how to balance the two! I'm so glad that someone has finally written a comprehensive book on the strategy & practice of organizing...considering where our nation is headed, this comes not a moment too soon.

This book, full of anecdotes from successful community organizations, is chockful of helpful advice, whether you're part of an organization seeking social change, or you are an individual interested in how people are effecting change in today's political climate. The worksheets on campaign planning and the chapter on media are particularly helpful. I highly recommend it.

This book provides mostly sensible advice about how to promote gay rights without unnecessarily provoking opponents, and sometimes (but not consistently) without requiring unusual effort on the part of gay rights supporters. Many of the ideas in the book can be applied to other causes that mainly require changing public opinion.

They occasionally go overboard and suggest fighting privileges that don't exist. For instance, they mention favorably advice that heterosexuals boycott marriage until it's available for all. It might make sense to ask heterosexuals to not have their marriages legally recognized (although I doubt the effectiveness of such a strategy). But the suggestion that wedding ceremonies be boycotted as long as gays are excluded from them is silly - wedding ceremonies are very much available to gays today.

Their Fair Employment Mark, under which employers would volunteer to enable employees sue them if they discriminate, would be a great idea under a sufficiently fair legal system. But it's unclear why an employer would consider the U.S. legal system sufficiently fair to agree to this.

I haven't even finished every word but am sartled, amazed even more involved (if possible)! I am now in the"privalaged" world and cannot live without working to insure that ALL families get an "even playing field". The extent of marriage discrimination is appalling! What can be realized by the privalaged (hetro marrieds and singles)and what can be acted upon to alter the inequality is here in this book/manual and I recommed that everyone read it!

I'm giving this book to all my straight friends and relatives, and I'm going to give it as a wedding present to straight people getting married. There are just so many ideas in this book, from radical to relaxed.

I am a student government senator at a small community college and we have been given the task of rewriting our discrimination policy. This will be a fight but I am glad to know that our library thought enough of students input to order this great book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in not only this cause but others. The ideas can be put to use on so many other issues.

Book Review:
Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look At Issues, Policies, And Programs

Reading Pattnaik's Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look at Issues, Policies, and Programs has broadened my understanding of issues surrounding children in South Asia. Undoubtedly, the challenges and dilemmas encounter by children in South Asia are heartbreaking and disturbing. Nevertheless, it is within this context that local and global resources work together to empower and improve programs and policies pertaining to early childhood, as depicted in this book. Pattnaik cleverly weaves diverse perspectives on issues of poverty, violence, education, and social injustice with government policies and education for children of all ages. Moreover, the in-depth analysis of issues surrounding children's human rights and existing policies and programs provided by authors in this edited volume remind readers of similar issues faced by children in their own societies and across the globe. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect presented in this book is the image of the child as a member of society. It is when the child is given a voice and the right to participate in society that we can clearly comprehend the need for efficient and effective government policies dealing with health issues, child care provision, nutrition, education, and many other immediate childhood needs.
Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look at Issues, Policies, and Programs collectively gathers a monument of valuable research data to vividly expose concrete circumstances that demand international awareness and local intervention by the community, government and powerful entities such as the United Nations. As a graduate student, I truly felt empowered in learning more about issues facing children within a global perspective for social justice. This book has truly and remarkably set the standard for bringing awareness to children's issues on a psychosocial, cultural, and analytical level of consciousness.

Childhood in South Asia: A critical look at issues, policies and programs
By A. E. Wright

The book Childhood in South Asia edited by Jyotsna Pattnaik provides the reader with insight into the issues, policies, and programs that directly and indirectly affect children. Seven of the nine chapters in the book have been written by natives of South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The other two chapters have been written by authors who have worked extensively in Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Together they provide a lens into the life of children in these countries that is truly enlightening and deeply moving.
The titles alone are intriguing and draw the reader into the challenges presented: "Caught between a crocodile and a snake" (life in one's home country and refugee camps in an alien host country) and, "Mad dogs and traffic jams: The psychosocial concerns of children in Kabul, Afghanistan" (the return of refugees to a war torn but changing and more stable country). These two chapters along with chapter 8 "Children: Broken promises and silent casualties of conflict in Nepal" highlight the direct and indirect long range impact of violence on children. Something the headlines never capture in their sound bites of war and upheaval. These three chapters provide a much needed wake up call to the true impact of such traumatic events on children.
Feeny's chapter 1 on life in a Rohingya refugee camp, sets a tone for the entire book in that it challenges the reader to rethink the long range impact of policies and programs, such as refugee camps, on the life of children. "Trapped between a traditional homeland that denies them citizenship and a host country that still refuses to offer anything other than the most temporary asylum even after a decade, the Rohingya are, like so many millions of refugees around the world, caught in a transitional state of limbo..." (p 6). The reader must rethink his/her notion of refugee camps as temporary "safe havens" and come to grips with the fact that such camps are often not temporary and have long lasting psychological and sociological impact on individuals.
DeBerry's chapter 3 focuses on the need for a community based "psychosocial" approach for war-affected children that is complemented by local, national, and international advocacy efforts. She argues that those working with children truamatized by war must look beyond its impact on their mental health. The Children of Kabul research shows that the risks to children's psychosocial well being are broader than the experience of violence alone and includes: "family loss and separation, family tensions and violence, the condition of the physical environment, children's work and responsibilities, comparing oneself with others, the attitude of teachers, and even falling in love" (p.73).
In chapter 8, Niraula points out what happens to children and the larger society when political ideologies clash. One chilling reality the reader is left with is why young people often become guerrillas. The author argues that the needs of Nepali children must be at the top of the agenda in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict that exists in what was once perceived as one of the "most peaceful nations on earth". Unfortunately, children everywhere often pay the price for conflict and are seldom considered in any solutions.
India has the largest population of children in the world with 158 million children between the ages of 0-6. Hence, it is quite appropriate that three chapters seek to draw attention to their issues. Sharma chooses to focus the reader of chapter 2 on the estimated 30 million children under the age of 14 who have one or more disabilities. He skillfully uses four case profiles to illustrate the life of disabled children in India today. Sharma elaborates quite appropriately on the need to "change people's attitude toward disabilities; ensure that maternal and children's health care is available and used; implement inclusive education in schools; empower families and communities; and, provide impetus for voluntary action" (p. 42).
Sriram elaborates in chapter 6 on the need for ensuring infant and maternal health care in India. Probably the most notable message given to the reader is that there is no foolproof methodology that works in all contexts. Child advocates must understand the cultural, social and economic context in which different circumstances exist as well as the need to find ways to sustain efforts if real change is to occur.
In chapter 4, Datta focuses on the daunting task of providing early childhood care and educational intervention to every young child in India. The chapter examines both the efforts that have been made in India as well as some of the factors that impede progress. Datta claims that interventions must be multifaceted, comprehensive, and collaborative in order to address the multiple risks of children coming from economically deprived backgrounds.
Several authors, including Dharmadasa and Wickramaratne in chapter 5, Rasheed in chapter 7, and Pattnaik in chapter 9, reference the impact that ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child have had on initiatives within their respective countries to address the physical, psychosocial, safety and nutritional needs of children. Chapter five specifically examines the responses of Sri Lanka with the help of UNICEF and other agencies to educate communities, families, and caregivers about quality childcare and the rights of children. The authors emphasize the need to "build up joint support groups, including the leaders of state, provincial, and local bodies, as well as leaders from businesses, the media, community organizations, and religious institutions, so that comprehensive services can be provided to children and families..." (p. 130). Chapter 7 emphasizes an issue that is frequently in the news, namely, equal access for females to employment, health care, education, and the political/legal systems.
In Chapter 9, Pattnaik discusses debates and discourses surrounding children and childhood in South Asia as well as implications of these discourses and debates for policies and programs for children. The chapter draws attention to continuing violations of children's rights in the region despite the fact that all the South Asian nations have ratified the UN "Convention on Children's Rights" to protect the human rights of all children. Pattnaik argues that governmental policies such as inadequate state provisions and commitment, failure to prioritize children's issues, failure to highlight the long-term values of education, and failure to see interconnections among issues have contributed to violations of children's rights in the region.
The specific examples of real situations provide a powerful reminder of the realities of many children in this world and the work that must be undertaken to ensure that no child is denied his or her rights. The failure of societies to adequately address the rights of ALL children in the world is poignantly addressed. However, the text also provides concrete real suggestions for moving forward. The impact of economics and conflict on children are underlying themes throughout this book; and, these should be thoughtfully considered by policy makers in every region of the world! Childhood in South Asia will stimulate all child advocates to examine more closely the policies and programs that they set up to address the needs of disenfranchised children, whether in a developed or emerging nation!
One thing is certain, in a world where much of the world's population is in transition, children who have faced many of the challenges highlighted within this book will be in the classrooms of developed nations. How will we respond to their needs unless we have a clear understanding of the complex nature of their prior existence and its impact upon them? Childhood in South Asia provides a clearly written glimpse into the realities of children in emerging and ravaged nations; and, provides the reader with kernels of wisdom on ways to protect children's rights and well-being.

I read this book as a part of a course reading. It introduced me to the realities of childhood in South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The book reawakened an inner compulsion to get involved in the growing global movement to positively impact the lives of children in developing nations. This book provides great descriptive details of the unhealthy life conditions and desolate existence of children and families through thought- provoking and compelling narratives for those interested in the issues of child labor, illiteracy, disability, child and maternal health issues, refugee condition, and social equality.

For the novice getting a first glimpse at life in this part of the world, it is an ideal introduction to the politics of South Asia. From the dire states of children's life in a refugee camp to their victimization through child trafficking, sexual exploitation, insurgency and war, and extreme poverty, the book exposes the lives, struggles, and aspirations of the people of South Asia, an echo of lives in other developing nations. The book also critically examines programs and policies for children as impacted by the politics within the region's own shores and influences and pressures from the `developed nations.'

For the ethnographic and educational researcher in the field of childhood research, this book is invaluable. It raises questions that beg for investigation and the findings of which will remind national and international communities of their social/political responsibility to make children's welfare a universal reality irrespective of their place and family of birth.

For someone who strongly believes in advocacy for children and looking for ways to make a difference, this book is a must read - one that adds multiple agenda to the on-going discussions on children's issues around the world.
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Please note the human rights and restorative justice content which gives a positive dimension to the discussion of the oppression dynamics which otherwise can get quite dreary.

I am quite familiar with Dr. van Wormer's work and have read other books she has written, as well as numerous articles in professional journals. Her current book, like her other works, is excecptional. What I really like about this book is the many definitions and examples of oppression, discrimination, injustice, and social justice. These examples are made more real with her personal disclosures as a young woman and as a professor in criminal justice and sharing poetry from her mother. She decribes issues related to all powerless and oppressed groups, including women, African Ameicans, Native Americans, Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexual Persons, and Latinos. I also like the model that she describes for conducting a policy analysis of unjust policies, and both professors and students in social welfare policy courses would find this model extremely helpful. She discusses the strength perspective and restoratice justice, both needed perspectives in the justice field. Last, within her appendix is the U N Declaration of Human Rights and the articles contained therein, which provides and outstanding of humans' rights in the United States and developing countries. This book brings not only a remarkable book for teaching in academia, but also for the general public who are interested in fully understanding oppression and discrimination.

Eric Janus, with a clear mind and precise hand, sets out to lead the call for reasonableness in an era of too eager politcally and socially to respond to "sexual predators" without consideration of the long term impacts of our political and legal tendencies to punish without logic and demonize without understanding the true causes of sexual violence in our everyday lives. This book raises questions about the future of us all as we rush to "fix" a problem we don't really understand and certainly don't want to talk about among ourselves.

It might not seem an inviting task to try to stem the mounting popular tide in favor of ever longer detention, by any means possible, of convicted sexual predators, but Eric Janus has managed to do so in a book that is carefully argued and evinces clearly both his wisdom and his compassion for the victims of crime. In addition to discussing the merits of extended detention of known predators and public monitoring of released sex offenders, treating both trends in the context of the question of how best to prevent sexual violence, Failure to Protect also takes up two larger social questions: why we are so focused on the "worst of the worst;" and our apparent willingness to trade civil liberties for safety (or the illusion of safety).

The book is astonishingly well written. It is lucidly organized into chapters and sections; you always know where you are in the argument. The prose is as elegant and clear as the reasoning is strong, free of the jargon that might so easily have marred a book on this subject. The punctuation and footnoting deserve commendation, as they unobtrusively guide the flow and document the argument. Rarely these days does any author get every detail of writing so right. Even the production gives evidence of unhurried care, with next to no misprints.