Children Just Like Me (by Anabel Kindersley)

This inspiring work, produced in conjunction with UNICEF, urges readers to focus on the interests they have in common with other kids. Some of these compelling stories are sorrowful: Seven-year-old Meena, for example, lives on a construction site in New Delhi with her transplanted family, and longs to return to her rural village. Other tales are uplifting, and all are absorbing to read. The book strikes a delicate balance between providing vital information about the culture and region and presenting anecdotal tidbits on topics of interest to children: a child's favorite food, toy, friend, or school subject.

Children the same age as most of the subjects will find the reading too advanced, but the book is an excellent resource for middle-grade children. Each page overflows with information, both textual and visual. Barnabas Kindersley's cheerful photographs document everyday details, including each child's abode and schoolwork. Readers will be challenged and touched by this remarkable work.