How to Be a Global Citizen: Be Informed. Get Involved

Gr 5-8–This offering is packed with photos, text boxes, time lines, and a plethora of information. While enabling the presentation of a great deal of content, this layout is busy and sometimes challenging to follow. The editors begin by helping students understand the various components that make each person unique—cultural backgrounds, gender and sexual identity, goals, ambitions, and interests, among others. Despite the differences people may have, everyone should strive to be a global citizen. The text excellently presents the responsibilities each person needs to fulfill in order to achieve that status. Covering big topics like psychology, sociology, ecology, and civics, the editors show just how connected our world has become. An action in one of the large umbrella areas (e.g., ecology) possibly impacts others around the globe. Many of these ideas may be new to the intended audience. Of special interest to readers might be the “champions” sections highlighting children and teen activists who work hard to better their world. They are concrete examples of what global citizens look like. This book is well done and packed with information. The question remains whether the intended audience will consume the information. Few students would choose this on their own. In the hands of a social studies teacher, the ideas might stir some imaginations and inspire some action.