If I Had a Hammer

Gr 6 Up—Habitat for Humanity has a worldwide reputation for helping those in need change their lives by assisting them in the building of their own homes. The history of this philanthropic organization and its creators is recounted in this book (Candlewick, 2009) by David Rubel. The genesis for Habitat for Humanity began in a Christian community founded in Georgia in 1942 called Koinonia Farm. The community was devoted to emulating the life of Jesus Christ in their daily lives by helping the poor in their community. Millard Fuller, who ultimately began Habitat for Humanity, became associated with them in 1965 and created Habitat some 11 years later. Upon leaving the White House, Jimmy Carter and his wife became active volunteers. They sponsor and build at least one project every year somewhere in the world. Listeners learn how a typical Habitat house is built from start to finish—from choosing the owners, funding the project, and coordinating volunteers to turning over the keys to the owners. Habitat believes in giving the owners a hand up, not a hand out, and requires that they invest their own sweat as the house is being built. As a consequence of all their hard work, they gain a measure of dignity and self-respect which affects all areas of their lives. John Miller's narration is straightforward. Young adults, and adults, may be inspired to go out and do something positive in their own communities. One person does make a difference.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA