Tikvah: Children's Book Creators Reflect On Human Rights

by Norman D. Stevens (Contributor), Victoria Chess (Contributor), Trina Schart Hyman (Contributor)

In this thoughtful & diverse collection, more than 40 of America's most distinguished children's book creators, including 14 Caldecott Medalists & Honor artists, share their reflections on human rights. Through words & pictures, they explore subjects ranging from child labor to racial integration to religious freedom, in an effort to foster a kinder, more tolerant world. In his introduction, Elie Wiesel notes that "Tikvah means hope & hope is represented by children." Whether joyous or provocative, stark or encouraging, the work collected in this volume represents these artists' firm commitment to human rights.

111 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Anne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title state, Children's books illustrators reflect on human rights through words and illustrations. I used this as a compaion piece for a writing prompt with classes. Loved it.

(Catching up on old reviews from pre-blogging and pre-Goodreads days. Written on 7/23/21 but the book was read years ago. I'm working off my notes.)

[SmarterLilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great meditations on human rights in here, but don't be fooled by the 'children's book creators' part of the title--this is not for kids. At least not kids until twelve, if you ask me. There are some great, but disturbing meditations on the idea of human rights and human rights abuses in here, involving well done but darkly graphic illustrations.

This book has some terrific insights, and I liked the wide range of perspectives displayed by the contributors...except for those from one obnoxious, anti-choice psychopath named Ruth A. Sanderson.

Said psychopath writes re: a woman's right to choose: 'The idea that a woman should have control over what she does with her body is, to my mind, absurd.' This passage of Sanderson's offensive diatribe was a real shock to find in a book that is supposed to focus on basic human rights and dignity. It also bothers me that Tikvah does not contain a pro-choice essay to provide any counter point, unless you count the excellent 'Patriarchy and Technology' piece by Trina Schart Hyman, which is not about issues of choice specifically.*

*Note to any lurking anti-choicers who want to flame this review: Save it. You have no audience here.