Here are some books about (or that touch on) human rights that Nal’ibali recommends to share with children of different ages on National Human Rights Day (21 March) – and every day of the year.
* Titles that are available in more than one South African language
Ages 5 – 12: Fiction
* Father Snail by Xolisa Guzula (New Africa Books)
The Butter Battle book by Dr Seuss (Random House)
Take a good look by Jacqueline Wilson (Penguin)
Ages 5 – 12: Non-fiction
* Racism explained to my daughter by Tahar Ben Jelloun (New Africa Books)
* What’s the difference? by Joanne Bloch, Noella Mulawoyi and Lois Neethling (Shuter & Shooter)
A faith like mine: A celebration of the world’s religions through the eyes of children by Laura Buller (Dorling Kindersley)
* We are all born free by Niki Daly, Piet Grobler, Korky Paul, Axel Scheffler et al (Songololo)
Children just like: A unique celebration of children around the world me by Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley (Dorling Kindersley/UNICEF)
A life like mine: How children live around the world (Dorling Kindersley/UNICEF)
* Learning our way by Reviva Schermbrucker (Shuter & Shooter)
Ages 12+: Fiction
The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne (Random House)
My funny brother by Robin Malan (Junkets)
No turning back by Beverly Naidoo (Penguin)
Web of lies by Beverly Naidoo (Penguin)
Ages 12+: Non-fiction
Freedom of movement by Catherine Bradley (Franklin Watts)
Freedom of belief by Mike Hirst (Franklin Watts)
Freedom of speech by Philip Steele (Franklin Watts)
Equal rights by Maureen O’Connor (Franklin Watts)
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah (Penguin)
They fought for freedom (A series that focuses on the contribution of different southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. Titles in the series include Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Ruth First, Chris Hani, Oliver Tambo, Helen Joseph.) (Maskew Miller Longman)