Raum, Elizabeth. Helping Others.

Raum, Elizabeth.  Helping Others.  Capstone/Heinemann  48p  $32.00      978-1-4329-6501-3  2013  elm/ms  VG-BN    series: Kids Making A Difference           

The enthusiasm and determination of individual children are evident in the testaments of young people who found a way to make a difference in their local communities or in the lives of people in far removed countries. Helping others can be as individual and spontaneous as saving a life, made possible by having learned lifesaving skills and acting when the situation presents itself.  Some students dream bigger and set up foundations that bring in huge sums of money to aid those less fortunate.  The book shows that one individual acting on one thought can make a difference.  The colorful photos of things that were accomplished after someone put just one thought into action are powerful.  Examples of successful projects include volunteering for a known charity or starting a charity of one’s own.  Other examples include providing toys to children who have lost theirs in a disaster, or using photographs to document deficiencies in local communities and then presenting these photos to local government.  The last chapter offers tips on how to volunteer, including how to choose a charity and how to start a new project in your local community.  A glossary, lists of resources for further reading, and an index complete this excellent book on volunteerism.   

Kids Making a Difference includes four books with inspirational quotes and personal stories of young people who are inspiring others and making a difference in the lives of others.  They are colorfully illustrated and each has a glossary, list of resources for further reading and an index. Grades 3-10. 

Volunteerism                                                --Lois McNicol