It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

by Chelsea Clinton

In a book that tackles the biggest challenges facing us today, Chelsea Clinton combines facts, charts, photographs and stories to give readers a deep understanding of the world around them—and how anyone can make a difference. With stories about children and teens who have made real changes big and small—in their families, their communities, in our country and across the world—this book will inspire readers of all ages to do their part to make our world a better place.

In addition to informing and inspiring readers about topics including Poverty, Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Access to Education, Gender Equality, Epidemics, Non-Communicable Diseases, Climate Change, and Endangered Species, this book encourages everyone to get going! With suggestions and ideas for action, Chelsea Clinton shows readers that the world belongs to every single one of us, and every one of us counts.

You can make a difference. You can make a change. It’s your world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Self Help, Social Justice, Audiobook, Politics

416 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Chelsea Clinton has always been interested in making the world a better place. When she was a child in Little Rock, Arkansas, one of her favorite books was 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth, and as a teenager in Washington, D.C., she led her school’s service club. While at Stanford, Chelsea worked as a reading and writing tutor and volunteered at the Children’s Hospital. Today, she is Vice Chair of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation where she helps lead the work of the Foundation across its various initiatives, with a particular focus on work related to health, women and girls, creating service opportunities, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Chelsea holds a BA from Stanford University, an MPH from Columbia University, and an MPhil and doctorate degree in international relations from Oxford University. She lives in New York City with her husband, Marc, their daughter, Charlotte, their son, Aidan, and their dog Soren.

Reviews

[Chalida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had the opportunity to see Chelsea Clinton in person yesterday at our school. Props to her for writing a book about problems in the US and the world to a middle school audience. Chelsea is able to make real world issues very accessible. You learn about her life growing up and the lives of young change-makers. She explains "big" words well and there are photos and graphics to illustrate her point. In true middle school form, the chapters all follow a predictable pattern which can be comforting to students who are working on reading non-fiction.
Deltas: Nothing in here on racism, which was noted by students. The intended audience appears to be middle class or upper middle class. Many of the solutions she hints at seems to support i.e. give money to existing non-profits. But in person, she seemed to encourage kids to take on a more grassroots approach. Interestingly, she did not push her book on students or try to sell, but instead pushed her ideas of taking action. I liked that too.

[Jonathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's hard for me to read a book with such a motivational topic and hate it as much as I did, but I can't hide some pretty simple facts that make this book horrible.

1) Know your audience here Chelsea. The intention of this book was to bring awareness to the youth of this country about the problems that face the world. I'm all for that, but I think it would have been better served in a book that was less than 400 pages. Before I started reading this book, I actually had no idea that it was written for kids. I figured due to the length it was written for adults. Judging by the fact that there are only 18 reviews on Goodreads for this book and it has been out for well over a month I'm going to guess that even if kids bought this book with the intention of reading it, it was way too long for them to even finish.

2) It was boring. Even a kid who was a good reader wouldn't finish this thing because it became really repetitive and preachy. There were many times when I just wanted to quit, and honestly I wish I had.

3) It was too little about too much. Even though it was super long, surprising I didn't feel like I learned enough about any one single topic. Maybe a better idea would have been to release this in 3 separate books, each focusing on a single big topic. Would have been a lot more manageable.

4) Not inspiring. The tone of this entire book felt very flat, and the fact that it was written by a wealthy adult white women who has connections beyond belief made most of the efforts feel fake and unattainable. I'm glad when you were 12 you got to travel the world Chelsea (and you make sure to mention that about a million times) but that is not even close to the reality of 99.99999% of most 12 year old kids.

5) Shameless plugs for her mom. Hmmmm...is there an election coming up?

6) Inappropriate family motto "It's better to get caught trying." Is it really? Maybe ask your dad how he feels about that motto.

7) Maybe they do and I just couldn't find it because it wasn't labeled clearly enough, but it sure would be nice if a portion of the proceeds from the sales of a book on saving the planet actually went towards saving the planet. As far as I'm concerned this was a Chelsea money maker.

8) You could google search "issues facing the world" and learn everything mentioned in here in about 30 minutes.

Again, I'm all for everyone in this world trying to do "everything" in this book, but it wasn't delivered to the public the way it needed to be.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished!! This definitely presented lots of good facts and I believe is very helpful and informative. My favorite chapter was the endangered species chapter. I also liked how this book told about problems, but kept a positive attitude by showcasing ways to resolve the problems.

[Carolyn Appleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In fall, 2015 I lined-up with hundreds of other eager readers at BookPeople in Austin to obtain an autographed copy of, "It's Your World." Work sidelined my reading for a few months, but happily I was able to return and finish this amazing book at last.

When in grade school long ago, I was a member of Camp Fire USA. Each Camp Fire Girl received a guidebook that provided tips about how to live an upstanding, admirable life. I feel Chelsea Clinton's book is a more realistic, "global" version of our old manual, one that young people of all nations, ages and genders will find genuinely helpful. Chelsea has traveled the world. Her knowledge is astonishing, both of the "big picture" and minute details. It is an impressive work.

"So even if we disagree with one another, it's important to recognize what the facts are .... It's also important to know what various opinions and beliefs are ... so we can make up our own minds about what we think the right answer is, whatever the question or challenge." This thoughtful spirit informs, "It's Your World."

Every child needs their own copy of this comprehensive guide to understanding and tackling critical world issues, from understanding deadly diseases and the vaccines that can cure them, to the challenges children face regarding their own education and health (and that of others). Insights into understanding what might be causing climate change and how species become endangered are also provided.

Especially insightful are the "Get Going!" sections at the conclusion of each chapter. There, young people will find ideas about how to facilitate positive change and to take action. Chelsea provides information about how to raise awareness about poverty, for instance, and how to prevent the spread of disease through healthy personal habits. Ways young people can contribute both their time, creativity and resources to improve the lives of others are described, with references to myriad nonprofit organizations established by entrepreneurial young people themselves. Readers are encouraged to learn, and to speak with family and friends about issues that matter to them. Numerous helpful online resources are also provided.

I remember when I was young, the moment I comprehended how serious and numerous the issues confronting our world were at the time. I felt truly helpless, and did not know how I could make a positive difference. What Chelsea's book does so smartly and thoughtfully is provide concrete options for action.

Back to BookPeople ... while waiting in line for approximately an hour to have my copy of the book autographed by Chelsea, I enjoyed visiting with others in line. They were excited to see Chelsea in person. A fellow just ahead of me kept saying he wanted her autograph but, "No, I don't want my photo taken with Chelsea. Nope."

But after an hour of, "No, not me, nooooo way," I was surprised when we finally reached Chelsea at the book signing table. My new friend in line suddenly whispered, "Oh please, will you take my photo with Chelsea and email it to me?" And of course, I did.

[Maddie Theodorou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that I read was “It's Your World” by Chelsea Clinton. I got this book from my mom for Christmas so I decided to read it over the break. It's an interesting book because it talks about the economy, people from around the world, as well as the environment. A part in the book is about the homeless children around the world, it's pretty sad to read about that. No one should ever have to go through something as bad as being homeless, having nowhere to sleep, having nothing to eat. It’s terrible. This book really got me thinking on how everyone including me should not take anything for granted. You never know when your life can change. It could change at any minute. Live everyday as if it's your last. I would recommend this book to everyone because I think that they could learn a little something from it. From being kinder to others to helping out with your environment.

[Kim Bahr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative with lots of information to take in concerning the state of our world. Might be a bit overwhelming for kids, but the message is strong - get involved!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

YABC.

I admit I never really like nonfiction. Talking about the world, this world that we live in, is definitely something hard to swallow. We can't list all of the problems on our fingers and toes, and even when we try to do good, it never seems enough. But it's progress. And that is exactly what Clinton's new book shows. She illuminates a light in the darkest parts of the world that few even knows about and gives the slightest of hope.

Chelsea talks about a lot of things. Topics include poverty, money, water, feminism, diseases, inequality, cancer, autism, water, energy, charity, governments and their influence over their citizens, child brides, human trafficking, water, and food. Oh, and have I mentioned water? (Chelsea highlights the fact that water is the most important thing to life. Multiple times in multiple chapters.) With such topics, it's clear that the book will get depressing and sorrowful. For that, I suggest readers to read It's Your World bit by bit. It's incredibly hard to swallow in one sitting.

The writing remains simple and clean, and the book is very casual. Clinton isn't without her subtle opinions, but she is as neutral as possible. Weaving in topics and points of discussion with her experience (i.e. trips to India and various parts of the world), she makes the book much more interesting and passionate. Helpful charts, pictures, and maps make It's Your World easier to understand, though some pictures and charts should be printed in color (not black and white, which makes it very unclear to interpret).

Kids will easily understand the larger world around them. Chelsea has helpfully provided a list of charities and ways to fight against world hunger (or human trafficking or child labor, etc.), and I'm constantly inspired by what the kids Chelsea name in the book are doing out of the kindness of their hearts. They are younger and smarter than me!

The ending is full of hope, and the last chapter remains to be the greatest of all the chapters in the book. Seriously.

Overall, It's Your World is the type of nonfiction book I rarely read. But by chance (and more), I read this book - and I totally love it. It's perfect for kids who want to know about the larger world they are living in and the adults who don't mind gaining another perspective. By the end, Chelsea will have them saying, "It's really a great big world out there."

Rating: Four out of Five

-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was never on my radar. In fact, I had never even heard of it. I saw that Chelsea Clinton was going to be doing a book signing at a local bookstore. I then saw the title of the book and the cover. I'm not someone who is big on politics so I could care less of Chelsea is the daughter of Bill Clinton or not. I know some people might avoid reading this book because of that fact. I am about the same age as her and remember her being the child in the white house so that does make me interested in her. Also... I love to learn new things about the world and things I can do to make the world a better place.

I really like the cover of this book. The confetti pops up off the cover. I also hope that this cover would attract young adults which is who the book is written for. I did see though some people complain about this cover... that it's too much for children and not teens. Even though this book is written for teens I still found a lot of information in it quite informative. What I like about this book is that big complicated subjects are broken down. I think the way Clinton explains things is not condescending and doesn't make me feel uneducated for not knowing more about the subject.

The subjects included so many things that should concern all of us. Homelessness, hunger, education in the US and in the world. I was more interested myself in the things happening in the US. After each chapter Clinton gives an example of a young adult who makes a difference and then website resources for you to go to read up on these situations. This is a long book... so there were some areas I just skimmed. Let's be honest, the kids in this book who had started projects at their schools had to have help from adults-with money. I really don't think just any kid could set up a big lego drive at their school without the help of adults buying said legos.

I don't know if it's a coincidence that this book came out around the time Clinton's mother is running for president. Maybe it was smart so Chelsea could make more money on it??? I think that being a daughter/son of a president would be tough. Once you become an adult you are expected to go out and do good in the world not just be some Average Joe. Now she is a wife and a mommy. I am sure a lot of this information could be found on the internet but having it all in one place was great. A good book for teens. I wish I would've went to the book signing.

[Yaaresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's probably more a 3 1/2 star book, but I'm going to go for four stars since there's really little else out there like it.

Chelsea Clinton takes complicated subjects and breaks them down into plain English for teenagers. She uses examples she's witnessed in her travels around the world and connects them to examples that the average American student can recognize. When we talk about world poverty, what is meant? How does "living in poverty" in an undeveloped country compare to living in poverty in the US? What does food insecurity mean? What is the correlation between education level and income, health, and gender equality. She does a good job of showing how malnutrition or child labor or domestic abuse or access to clean water doesn't exist in a vacuum, but that many of these problem become a big tangle of cause/effect.

At the same time, she shows how small improvements can begin to unravel a complicated knot of problems. At the end of each section, there are suggestion lists for teens who want to get involved in solutions to the problem presented in that section. Her main point is that teens are fully capable of understanding complex situations and have not only the right but the most incentive to get involved with solving big problems.

Clinton's writing style is informal, maybe too much so at times, and she includes plenty of graphics and charts to illustrate statistics. I did have a hard time figuring out which age group the book is geared to because she uses some terms that seem to be aimed at a higher grade level without explaining them, then explains something that seemed a common term. Then again, I'm not a big believer in pigeon-holing books by age. I read Jane Eyre in third grade and will happily read a good YA book now.

The biggest flaw I found in the book was the cover art. I think they could have come up with something--anything--far more appealing to older kids than what looks like a reject cover from Little Golden Books.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Clinton draws on her experiences as first daughter in the book. As first daughter, she was in a position to see the world in a way not many have the opportunity to and it shaped the story for the book. The book is about inspiring children by teaching them with an overview of the world’s challenges, like poverty, poaching, homelessness, and environmental issues. She gives examples of what other kids were doing to help combat some of these problems. I got a chance to meet Ms. Clinton at a book signing and I asked her about the enormity of the problems outlined in the book and said that, as just one kid, it all seemed way too big to even start to do anything. Ms. Clinton told me to “look at big problems as lots of little problems” and work on the little ones. She told me about some of the examples in her book. Clinton says this is just one example of how kids can make a difference.
At the end of each chapter, Ms. Clinton has a page of suggestions that you can do to help with whatever the chapter’s topic is. The suggestions are simple things that you can do to slowly change your life to take action help others. I really liked the entire layout of the book, and recommend it to any kid interested in making the world a better place. The message in the book a is something kids can all get behind, “We all can do something” Ms. Clinton said.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been reading this for a while, but I am still less than half way through it. I intend to finish, but definitely would not recommend reading the whole thing. While I like the subject matter, I think it could have been written in less than half the length. While it is geared toward a slightly younger audience, it is still way too repetitive. At the end of each chapter it has a bullet point list to summarize, which has a lot of great sources. If you were interested, I think it makes sense to just read that, and maybe go back and read just the sections that most interest you. In summary, it has good content, but is way too long and not well written.

[Courtney Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first learned about this book when I saw Chelsea Clinton on Ellen. This was a fantastic and informative book on how we can all find some way to enjoy improving this world. Each chapter talks about a different world-wide issues, and offers many websites to learn how to "Get Involved". Also, I learned a lot more about the Clinton family than I knew before... which started out as pretty much nothing. I actually wouldn't mind owning this book (rented from the library) so I can have all the collected information on how I can get involved in various causes that are important to me.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to a book event and received this book, so I asked Chelsea to sign it for my seven year old niece. I decided to read it before I gave it to her, just to make sure I understood exactly what I was giving my niece to read, and I'm glad that I did. I was inspired by this book and there are some great apps and online resources that she provides to help you get started in getting involved in issues you care about. I'm hoping that my niece will be inspired as well.

[Amber Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written to a middle grade audience, this still had lots of good information and it is definitely a book I’ll be having each of my children read.

[renkenreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

Was interested in this to see how it approached hard topics for middle schoolers but it was just okay

[Kurdt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

'It's Your World' by Chelsea Clinton does a nice job of anticipating questions teens (or adults) may have about a wide variety of topics, including, but certainly not limited to, poverty, inequality, illnesses, hunger, and many, many more. It also focuses on routes that will hopefully lead to solutions for these problems. The book adeptly details the connections between various issues and dilemmas throughout the world. One that stands out most is how prevalent the issue of water availability is, and how it intertwines with not only the idea of healthy living, but also with the ability for some to do their work, along with a variety of other connective tissues that truly enhance the conversational storytelling through which Clinton writes the book.

Statistics add substance and deeper meaning throughout. The charts and graphs that are included help highlight the controversies described and make it much easier to see how action and progress are sorely needed in so many cases.

The book, while focused on inspirational and thought-provoking topics, tends to be a bit long in parts. The 400-plus page book would have better served its teen demographic by cutting down on the page count. Even though the information contained is solid, interesting, and worthwhile, and the statistics a welcome addition to showcasing the many troubles throughout the world and who they are most affecting, a shorter length would help make the book even stronger. However, if one is to read this book, they may not be reading it all at once, which is probably a good idea. If one is to read the chapters and excerpts that most intrigue them as a means of identifying and exploring their particular areas of interest, the book will more likely not seem so long, as the conversational style Clinton uses helps the storytelling move along at a fairly good pace. There are just so many topics to get to, and even though Clinton does separate these by parts and chapters and discusses the importance of realizing connections, it still gets too long at times.

All in all, 'It's Your World' will capture the attention and motivational heartstrings of its readers, children and adults alike. It focuses on so much of what is wrong in the world today and how to fix it, through realistic and clear-cut anecdotes and information that will lead readers on the path to finding sustainable solutions.

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I was rolling my eyes at having a peer who grew up rich with various entitlements try to tell me how the rest of the world lives (go kick rocks Chelsea Clinton). But, then I started to think it was a really good book for the older kids it is meant for who might not understand the problems in the US and the world yet and how they can do even small things to help out. I almost think it should be mandatory reading at school and parents could even go over some of the topics with younger children. I think we all need to keep in mind issues related to poverty, gender equality, health, violence, etc. It not only makes us all appreciative of what we do have as opposed to what we don't have, but also more likely to be compassionate and understanding human beings. Knowing about horrible plights including that a single mom working full-time at minimum wage lives in poverty with a 15,000/yr salary in the US, that some women have to pay people to get them water because they will get assaulted going to get it themselves in some countries, and that some children spend 2-3hours a day walking to and from school and thats if they are even able to go to school will make u more likely to act. I always think there should be more motivation in our society to do some volunteer work or other community work (getting a certain tax break for everyone doing so much volunteering , etc.). Given that we don't have that, this can help to motivate people.

[Maya Muk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s your World by Chelsea Clinton taught me a lot about what’s out there in the real world. It was split into sections about what the problems in the world are, and what the reader personally can do to fix them. For example, the second section was called It’s Your Right, and it discussed why everybody should have the right to go to school no matter what gender you are and where you live, and how gender equality still isn’t up to par. It also included many graphs and visuals, which helped to understand what she meant when she talked about how many people were out of school. Because of the organization system and the visuals, the information was very easy to comprehend. All in all, it was very informative and covered many issues.
I rated It’s Your World four stars because although it was very easy to understand and covered everything I was hoping to learn, it was not incredibly interesting or captivating. It did include the visuals which made it more interesting, but it did not include any short stories, or anecdotes. Also, the information was all given in a tedious tone. For that reason, the book was excellent to learn from, but not to enjoy. I would recommend it for anybody who is looking to learn about real global issues and wants to really make a big impact, but not if you are just searching to enjoy a relaxing book. In conclusion, It’s your world was extremely informative, but not incredibly enjoyable.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really expect to like this--I read it to be sure it is approopriate for my K-5 library, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I wanted to keep reading it. Clinton presents a wide range of issues (perhaps too much for some kids) that impact them on a very personal level (wear bug spray and cover your cough to protect yourself and others from germs) all the way to global issues such as climate change and women's rights. The writing is accessible and appealing to the middle grade/middle school crowd, but not so much that is sounds forced or will turn off high schoolers--poop is a commonly used noun. Each chapter gives the reader many ways to "Get Going!", but she remains aware that some readers may be in the under 13 crowd, and therefore may not have access to all social media. She is also careful to present the many sides of an issue and encourages readers to form their own opinions. While she refers to the travel opportunities she had when her father was President, she doesn't dwell on that fact, and refers to many other current and past Presidents in the context of programs they started or supported. This one will be on my recommended list for next summer.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, I did not finish reading this...too many other books waiting. Probably made it half way. I found this book suited to young people...young people willing to put up with a little preaching (borders on nagging)to change the world. I had hoped for more inspiration. The books does have a wealth of information and facts often presented in graphs or other readily understandable form. Well intended, but a little too boastful by the author sometimes with dated trips/experiences she had when the privileged family was in the White House. Poverty, climate change, health, education, endangered animals, gender discrimination, etc., a lot to cover, perhaps too much. There are good suggestions and dot orgs, etc. to encourage further action.

Perhaps I expected this book to be much better than I found it, or perhaps I am skeptical that the book is timed to help the other Clinton become president, although I am likely to vote for Hillary.

[Michael Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out this book as something to possibly read to my children about issues the world is facing today. If I had to guess the ideal target audience for this book based on reading level, I'd say 8-12 year olds. It was a little over the head of my 6 year old, so maybe we'll give this book another look a few years down the road.

I appreciated the fact that the problems were laid out with all the facts, but at the same time the reader isn't told exactly how to think about each issue. The reader is invited to decide for themselves. It message at the end of each section about an issue felt like Ms. Clinton was saying, "if you agree this is a problem, here are some things you can do to help."

In an age where politics are polarizing us more than ever, it's important to have books like this in the discussion that don't require you to subscribe to the same ideology. These are issues that need to be dealt with, no matter what your political persuasion is.

[Kalli Taub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all young women. I highly suggest any parent, grandparent or adult involved with a college-bound child at home to buy this book- and also make their sons read it, too. Every idea that Chelsea maps out begins with an individual persons desire to make a difference. This book is not a memoir or anthology of every organization under the Clinton Global Initiative- it's a platform for liberal Chelsea to expound on what every young person needs to know about- so that they are able to live healthy, fulfilled and motivated lives- well into the 2090's! This book is not Hillary 2016 propaganda- but, inevitably, I now want to support her presidential campaign because of her daughters stance. This book shows that any girl, from any walk of life, anywhere in the world, can make a difference- "or be caught trying."

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know that more than 1 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day, or that in 2012 58 million kids between the ages of 6-11 were not in school? Did you know that 9 countries in the world legally restrict women's movement? Walking, driving, biking, etc., cannot be done without a male member's okay. Do you know what guinea worms are? (they are something the world doesn't have to worry about any more thanks to Jimmy Carter.) Do you know what pangolins are? If not, you better look them up because they may not be around much longer; they are the most endangered mammals on Earth.
This interesting, informative book written by Chelsea Clinton, is a must read for anyone who is interested in trying to make the world a better place for all. Pick it up, read it, and live it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea Clinton writes a book that introduces older kids/pre-teens to their world in different ways. She offers a variety of suggestions in each chapter about how to tackle problems in the world like economic inequality in the U.S. and world, health issues, gender inequality and the environment.

She maintains that doing something even if it's just talking to other people about an issue is a step toward solving a problem. The book is peppered with examples of kids who do more than talk. But all of the activism started with one small action. Clinton has an easy style, she uses a term and then immediately explains in a clear and concise matter.

Her profiles includes how government and private agencies can tackle issues leaving it up to her young reader as to how they want to make their world a better place. Even adults can learn a thing or two....

[Kiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars all the way. I wish there was a 7 bazillion star rating so I could rate it that. I have read this book 3+ times, and it is SO good. Looking through the comments, I see all these people complaining about the book.
- It's too long : That's why it's a middle grade book, not for younger kids.
- It doesn't take on other things, such as racism: You cannot fit everything into one book. There are entire books about racism, so go read one of those.
- It's supposed to help the author's mom in the election: How? This is focused on saving the world, not on her mom. It's focusing on helping people out of poverty, and helping people get better from sicknesses.

This is such a good book, especially for middle grade. Her points are clear, without being too complicated. It inspired me to take action. I hope that lots of people read this book and Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just happened across this book in the library and thought I'd give Chelsea a read. It's written for a young adult audience, but I'm not sure if a young adult would stick with this whole book. It's full of interesting facts and information, but it's awfully long. I think it would have been better divided into two or maybe three books. I feel like there is too much to absorb in just one book. It's kind of overwhelming, as well as extremely depressing in parts - global warming, animal extinctions. It would be a good book for school libraries to have for research purposes, but I'm not sure if young people would pick it up and read it. Chelsea's doctorate is showing when she attempts to define some vocabulary that may be new to young people but then she uses sophisticated vocabulary, undefined, elsewhere.

[persy · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really wanted to like this... but i found it very boring and dry, and would not have finished it if it wasn't for the audiobook (read by chelsea clinton herself — which felt like her nagging at me after a while). i must admit did learn a thing or two, though.

it's really quite lengthy for a children's book. while plenty of resources are provided and weaved in as to how you can help (and where you can go to help out the causes mentioned), it also reads a bit like an advertisement after a while with the url links. might have been better if they were placed in footnotes at the bottom of the page instead. but if anything, it's a good place for a child to start reading up about world issues.

it also reads to be a bit humble-braggy after a while, with her many experiences as a child overseas, yada yada yada.

[Lydia Flores]

Great for middle school aged kids and provides a great introduction to world topics. I admire the author's message and for the most part I had no issues with the format. Being an older teen, I picked this up the summer after graduation with hopes it would propel me towards action. Unfortunately, I felt as though Clinton's tone catered more towards younger students who had not encountered upper-level reading before (i.e. a graph is titled "Countries with High Rates of (Meaning Lots of Kids Suffering From) Stunting.") and so I felt it was not quite what I was looking for. Admittedly didn't finish it due to the factor, but I would still suggest it to middle school and even freshmen/sophomores in high school.